April 2011: Springing into No Buys

[Virgderon]

Ronmel, the wedding is getting close! So exciting!

Did well at the grocery store today. Spent $39, saved $26. I don't think I will make the grocery budget, forgot to factor Easter into my original goal.

Running Total: Spent $535
$800 budget... $265 left
$0 Days: 8
Goal is 8 or more!
coupon/sale savings : 104

Groceries budget- $250-19-7- 69-7-11-25-42-5 -39= 26 left

April 1: 19 ( groceries)
April 2: 0
April 3: 26 ( pop, razor, cleaning supplies, soup)
April 4: 0
April 5: 43 (14 Walgreens, 23 bowling banquet, 6 dinner at bowling)
April 6: 0
April 7: 69 ( Publix groceries)
April 8: 0
April 9: 41 ( 23 lunch, 11 Publix, 7 pop)
April 10 : 0
April 11: 0
April 12 : 12 ( 5 dinner at bowling, 7 at Walgreens)
April 13: 0
April 14 : 14 ( misc including People magazine. Couldn't help it. )
April 15: 45 ( groceries and chinese food )
April 16: 61 ( 42 groceries, 7 books at the flea market, 12 misc)
April 17: 67 ( 46 old navy, 20 Busch gardens lunch, 1 newspaper)
April 18: 47 ( 25 Target food, 12 food at ball game, 10 parking)
April 19 : 17 ( pot luck lunch treats)
April 20: 0
April 21: 35 (13 food at ball game, 22 at Walgreens)
April 22: 39 ( groceries)

 

[wlake]

Wow, it's hard to catch up once you've been gone for a few days! I hope everyone is well! DC was fun and the weather was great!

4/1: take out; $20 basket raffle for my school
4/2: $15 AC Moore (party gift), $30 gas, $12 Staples, $20 pharmacy
4/3: $66 groceries, I'm-not-admitting-how-much on a new bike for DS8 who had outgrown his badly.
4/4:
4/5:
4/6: DH went shopping while he was out of town -- I wouldn't ordinarily count it, but he bought me something I wanted!
4/7: $14 groceries (forgot I was the t-ball snack mom for this Sat., and once I'm in there, I seem to need at least one more thing)
4/8: $3 groceries (that I could have gotten last night had I thought of it!) and $21 basket raffle tickets
4/9: $40 Target, $50-something groceries, $51 Lands' End (clothes for me)
4/10: $80 Trader Joe's (lots of snacks for our trip!), $13 bagels, $16 Walmart
4/11: Finally, another no buy -- I was beginning to worry!
4/12: $20 dinner out
4/13:
4/14: $5 Walmart, $80 Target, $80 Kohls
4/15: lunch out (a huge treat!)
4/16 to 4/20: our DC trip
4/21: $50 groceries, $20 Dairy Queen cake for DS6!
4/22: meds and copay for DS6 (at least it's the day AFTER his birthday!), new glasses for DS8, and misc.


no buy days: 4/8
longest no buy streak: 3 days
meals out: 2/5 (not counting our trip!)
days since our last meal out: 2
longest no meals out streak: 10

 

[charming23]

Had to run out for a few items to make dessert for Easter Sunday. Tomorrow we are going to visit my cousin at school in Pennsylvania since he is not able to come home for Easter. I am counting it as a $0 day since I take money for that kind of day out of the "fun" budget.

April Budget (3/30-4/29)

Grocery/Household- $300/$65.97 Left
Car/Gas- $50/$17.30 Left
Eating out- $50/$26.80 left
Misc/entertainment- $100/$44.04 left

Total- $500.00/$140.89 left

Goal of 15 No Buy Days

Week One
3/30- $0
3/31- $54.53 Grocery, $26.62 Gas, $3.32 misc, and $13.75 eating out
4/1- $15 Haircut and $13.05 Walgreens
4/2- $0
4/3- $10.21 Grocery and $6.59 Misc
4/4- $0
4/5- $0

Week Two
4/6- $18.44 Grocery and $9.45 eating out
4/7- $0
4/8- $2.99 Pepperidge Farm and $5.45 Walgreens
4/9- $0
4/10- $14.95 Grocery and $9.70 Misc
4/11- $0
4/12- $0

Week Three
4/13- $8.60 Lane Bryant, $30.72 Marc's and $52.66 Giant Eagle
4/14- $0
4/15- $4.49 Giant Eagle
4/16- $19.50 Gas and $20 Walmart
4/17- $0
4/18- $0
4/19- $0

Week Four
4/20- $0
4/21- $12.78 Aldi's
4/22- $6.81 Grocery
4/23- $0
4/24
4/25
4/26

14/15 No Buy Days

Store and Coupon Savings-$111.16

 

[ronnmel]

Virgderon, it is incredibly close! Today we went out to buy all the stuff we were missing to pack (sunscreen, toilettries, etc.) It cost us over 100$!, but it's going straight to the wedding budget, so another no-buy day for me!

No Buy Days : 12/12
Gas : 81$ (max 120$???)
Groceries : 106$ (max 250$)
Eating out (and snacks) : 40$ (max 100$)
Non-necessities : 264$ (max 200$)

04/01 : 0$
04/02 : 7$ (snack)
04/03 : 20$ (lunch + purse)
04/04 : 0$
04/05 : 0$
04/06 : 0$
04/07 : 15$ (gift bag + dinner)
04/08 : 0$
04/09 : 0$
04/10 : 0$
04/11 : 67$ (books + gas)
04/12 : 20$ (groceries)
04/13 : 2$ (breakfast club)
04/14 : 0$
04/15 : 103$ (baby shower gift, swimwear for me, dinner and snack)
04/16 : 0$
04/17 : 141$ (gas + medication + groceries + swimsuit for DD)
04/18 : 0$
04/19 : 0$
04/20 : 116$ (groceries + pharmacy + baby shower gift (yet again) + books for my classroom)
04/21 : 0$
04/22 : 0$

 

[SunnieRN]

April 8-22:

Goals:

Medical: $200
Groceries $200 / $111
Cash: $100 / $35 /63
No Buy Days: 9 (going out on a limb here. 9 of 14 sounds rough!)

April 8: $0 (off to a good start anyway!)
April 9: $0
April 10: $0
April 11: $$ may be in the thousands, as we are car shopping today. Didn't buy a car today, so $0
April 12: Well, got DeeDee today! Dodge Durango, big enough for the whole family AND the ADHD dog!! Has more stuff in it, then I know what to do with. I will probably need to up my no buys now. Ended up getting dinner out after I posted this, so $35.00.
April 13: $0!! Eating out of the freezer!
April 14: $0, but have to grocery shop tomorrow or the next day.
April 15: $0 wasn't planned,
April 16: $0
April 17: $111. Huge grocery trip, including Easter dinner, a coffe for my
dd and an icee for my Grandson.
April 18: $63, Grandmas day with the grandmunchkins. ChuckECheese, TRUs, park with ice cream. It was a blast!!
April 19: $0.
April 20: $0
April 21: $0


No Buy Goal 9 / 11 accomplished!



april 23-May 6:

Medical: $200
Groceries $200 /
Cash: $100 /
No Buy Days: 9

April 22: $0

 

[A.Mickey]

Running Total: Spent $541.68
$0 Days:11/13

Groceries ($240-$8/day)- $102.40
Eating Out ($210-$7/day)- $175.36
Misc. (Shopping/Entertainment) ($780-$26/day) $73.73
Gas $250- 4/2 $54.17 (3.89/gal), 4/5 $28.02 (3.89/gal), 4/15 $65 (4.02/gal) saw gas prices are up to $4.25 at some stations, so filled up with cash for $4.02, 4/21 $43 (4.19/gal)= $190.19

1- $0
2- My son's 4th bday. $8.06 (Games-Misc.), $16.10 (Target-Misc.), $6.38 (Dollar Tree-Misc.), $11 (Dairy Queen-Eating Out)
3- $0
4- $0
5- $0
6- $16.81 (Walgreens-Groceries), $9.80 (McDonald's Eating Out)
7- $19.09 (Burger King- Eating Out-Our son really wanted to go here for some reason...maybe one too many commercials on TV during American Idol last night. I remember why we don't go here...yuck!), $7.89 (Meijer-Groceries...actually left my receipt there so I have no idea how much I saved off of sales, just know I saved $8 with coupons)
8- $2.88 (Dairy Queen-Eating Out), $6.40 (McDonald's-Eating Out), $7.91 (Doggery-Eating Out)
9- $10.44 (Panera-Eating Out), $35 (Maggiano's-Eating Out)
10- $2.88 (Dairy Queen-Eating Out), $8.29 (Au Bon Pain-Eating Out), $4.83 (McDonald's-Eating Out)
11- $21.03 (Portillo's-Eating Out), $20 (Video Game-Misc.), $4.61 (Target-Groceries)
12- $0
13- $16.05 (Walgreens-Groceries), $9.81 (Wendy's-Eating Out) $7.16 (Meijer-Groceries)
14- $0
15- $0
16- $7 (McDonald's-Eating Out), $4.19 (Dollar Tree- Misc.), $14.71 (Joe Caputo-Groceries), $5.99 (Trader Joe's-Groceries)
17- $19 (Parking-Misc.), $19 (Gene and Jude's-Eating Out), $6.77 (Walgreens-Groceries)
18- $0
19- $11.94 (Dominick's-Groceries), $7.96 (Jewel-Groceries), $2.51 (Meijer-Groceries)
20- $0
21- $0
22- $0


Budget: $1480....37%
Month: 22/30: 73%
No Buy: 11/13: 85%

My savings from coupons and sales: $761.59

Next Month: 6 month insurance premium ($300)....First month tuition for preschool ($203)....Broadway in Chicago Tickets ($318)

August: $300 Hotel Room for Cedar Point, October: ~$250 Rental Car

 

[Debbie]

Getting ready for Easter. Or, I would be, if I weren't about to take a nap instead! This is my favourite weekend of the year! Hooray!

My budget:
I will count all OTC purchases, but not the regularly budgeted and paid for bills like Church, heating, water, taxes etc.
I will not count DH's spending on his snacks, since he does that every day, and there is no way for me to keep track, anyway.
This month I have a couple of birthday gifts, and of course Easter candy. (not sure if I'm doing baskets or not....maybe just cash for each of 5 kids ) My biggest goal is that I NOT spend as much as I did last month....that should be attainable, since last month was atrocious! Here's hoping for 12 no buy days.

April 1: $4 drug co-pay, grad pics for DD $172, gas $23
April 2: groceries $53 DDs phone needed replacing, and, since she was off to buy her shoes for her prom, I bought the phone...happy belated birthday....$101
April 3: $0
April 4: $0
April 5: Tuesday is DH's grocery day: $116
April 6: more groceries $26, gas $50
April 7: $0
April 8: $0
April 9: $30 groceries and it was ME, not DH this time
April 10: tip on brunch $5, gas to TO $15, shared lottery ticket with DSisters $35
April 11: gas $36
April 12: groceries $23
April 13: gas $30
April 14: $0
April 15: lottery ticket $5, contact lens (yes, ONE) $145
April 16: market groceries $13, Dollarama $50 (gift for DNephew, stuff for school, envelopes for home, and just...fun ), Bulk Barn (groceries and Easter candy)$37, Chapters gift + books for school $18, Costco-went in for milk for us, and chocolate bars for school (I sell stuff and the proceeds go to cancer), but the bill-NOT including the school chocolate-was $96 What was I thinking??? Oops, just read the bill......$33 of that was Easter CANDY....again....What was I thinking? Updating the $43 groceries DH bought after Church
April 17: Oops! I remembered that I bought DQ, so I have to add $5 to the misc category
April 18: gas $32, oil change $24 Cinnamon buns for the school review breakfast $11 groceries $10
April 19: groceries $20
April 20: $0
April 21: Bought tea at Tim's $2, gas $42, and the groceries were $93, but I had $90 in points to use, so.....groceries $3
April 22: Nothing open, I refuse to buy online tomorrow, so I can call $0
April 23: Picked up some groceries at our local grocery store. I bought 3 desserts, 2 blocks of cheese, meat for the freezer and other things $52. At the market I bought buns for tomorrow's meal $8 and flowers, just because $10. Gas $23 Should be done now until Monday!

Gas: $252
Groceries/Household: $570
Drug co-pays/medicine/lens: $149
Misc including gifts: $395
Easter candy: $55

No Buy days: 7/12

 

[ronnmel]

We had our legal wedding today. Just before we had lunch with our two witnesses, which we paid for.

No Buy Days : 12/12
Gas : 81$ (max 120$???)
Groceries : 106$ (max 250$)
Eating out (and snacks) : 113$ (max 100$)
Non-necessities : 273$ (max 200$)

04/01 : 0$
04/02 : 7$ (snack)
04/03 : 20$ (lunch + purse)
04/04 : 0$
04/05 : 0$
04/06 : 0$
04/07 : 15$ (gift bag + dinner)
04/08 : 0$
04/09 : 0$
04/10 : 0$
04/11 : 67$ (books + gas)
04/12 : 20$ (groceries)
04/13 : 2$ (breakfast club)
04/14 : 0$
04/15 : 103$ (baby shower gift, swimwear for me, dinner and snack)
04/16 : 0$
04/17 : 141$ (gas + medication + groceries + swimsuit for DD)
04/18 : 0$
04/19 : 0$
04/20 : 116$ (groceries + pharmacy + baby shower gift (yet again) + books for my classroom)
04/21 : 0$
04/22 : 0$
04/23 : 82$ (lunch + bath floor mat)

 

[SunnieRN]

April 23-May 6:

Goals:

Medical: $200
Groceries $200 /
Cash: $100 /
No Buy Days: 9

April 22: $0
April 23: $0

Goal 9 / 2 accomplished.

RonnMel, Your plans are all coming along splendidly!! Just think, after he wedding, you get to count down to you Disneymoon!!!

 

[angierae]

No buy days: 8/10
Groceries: $202.25/$240
Fuel: $90/$48
Eating out: 52.90/$44
Entertainment/Hobbies: 24.67/$52

Coupon running total for April: $16.24

4/1: $0
4/2: $0
4/3: $0
4/4: $2.10 (CVS. Got $50 worth of stuff between sales, coupons and Extrabucks, though.)
4/5: $14.90 @ Subway $8.67 @ 7-11 $20 @ Mobil
4/6: $10 @ Panera $51.34 @ Meijer
4/7: $0
4/8: $0
4/9: $41.92 groceries (3 different stores)
4/10: $0
4/11: $20 @ Mobil, $16.37 @ Kroger, $16 @ Amazon
4/12: $9.31 @ CVS during a walk with DH - cleaning supplies
4/13: $3.20 @ Kroger because I forgot my lunch so I stopped in on the way to work for a frozen dinner and a thing of apples and caramel
4/14: $0
4/15: $20 Gas (officially overbudget for the month, but I knew that was coming)
4/16: $10.22 groceries $20 dining out
4/17: $7.52 CVS (papers and a few little things)
4/18: $0
4/19: $5.30 CVS, $12.40 Kroger, $13 Mcdonald's (I was having that kind of day and did not feel like cooking.)


I have done a HORRIBLE job of keeping track of stuff these last few days. Let's see what I can puzzle out, shall we?

4/20 - $10 - gas
4/21 - $14.66 groceries
4/22 - $44 at Target for Easter stuff, $15 for dinner out with a friend, $20 to DD16 for her allowance (which she immediately blew at the movies with a friend on Friday)
4/23 - $27.91 groceries, $13.02 CVS (batteries, hair dye for DD16, Tums), $20 mobil

Good things: I found out I had 12 hours of unused sick time last year, so that was added onto my check. Some went towards DD16's Easter basket, some went into the Disney fund, some went into my checking account.

Also, Debbie asked for my cheesy potato recipe - it's probably too late for Easter, but here it is:

Slow Cooked Au Gratin Potatoes
5 – 6 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced ¼ “ thick
½ cup onion, minced
3 Tbl. butter
3 Tbl. flour
2 cups milk
4 oz. smoked gouda, shredded
4 oz. sharp cheddar, shredded
3 Tbl. parmesan cheese
salt and pepper
cooking spray

Coat the interior of the slow cooker crock with cooking spray. Evenly layer the potatoes with the onions. Sprinkle each layer with a pinch of salt and pepper.

In a medium sauce pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook for 1 minute, until the butter is completely absorbed. Slowly add the milk and heat for 3 – 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Do not allow the sauce to boil. Remove from heat and add all three cheeses at once. Stir until the cheeses have melted.

Pour the cheese sauce over the potatoes. Cook the mixture on high for 2 – 2 1/2 hours and then reduce the temperature to low. Cook for an additional hour, or until the potatoes have completely softened. There should be no need to stir during cooking. Serves about 4 – 6 people as a side. The recipe can be easily doubled.

 

[QVCshopper]

Congrats, RonNMel on getting married! So exciting!

We are finally better. That was a yucky illness, but we did get away for the night. I haven't really kept good track the past few days, but haven't been too bad. I haven't bought anything really, besides food, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer... which we need so we don't get sick again! Happy Easter--counting it as a no-buy early. Back on Monday.

10/10 no-buys

4/1-$23 Wegmans, $2 McD
4/2-$19 Wegmans, $5 Charity, $5 Amazon, $64 Lowes, $14 Target
4/3-$19 Chinese food
4/4-$0
4/5-$18 Mall food (+ Lego build), $21 Wegmans, $13.50 ACME
4/6-$0
4/7-$0
4/8-$24 Wegmans
4/9-$13.50 ACME, $21 Wegmans
4/10-$5 Tag Sale, $5 Subway, $3.50 Sonic
4/11-$8.80 Stamps, $84.80 Pepsi/Hershey Park deal, $23 Lands End
4/12-$0
4/13-$0
4/14-$70 Wegmans (food/Easter event), $9 PetSmart, $2 Doctor, $5 BK, $5 DD
4/15-$0
4/16-$11 Wegmans, $25 PetSmart, $4 Book Store, $5 Five Below, $11 Gertrude Hawk, $5 Subway, $4 Auntie Anns, $53 Disney Store
4/17-$60 Food
4/18-$0
4/19-$0
4/20-$0
4/21-4/23-spend
4/24-$0

 

[A.Mickey]

Running Total: Spent $633.76
$0 Days:11/13

Groceries ($240-$8/day)- $103.60
Eating Out ($210-$7/day)- $191.19
Misc. (Shopping/Entertainment) ($780-$26/day) $74.78
Gas $250- 4/2 $54.17 (3.89/gal), 4/5 $28.02 (3.89/gal), 4/15 $65 (4.02/gal) saw gas prices are up to $4.25 at some stations, so filled up with cash for $4.02, 4/21 $43 (4.19/gal), 4/23 $74 ($4.19/gal) now both cars are full and won't need gas until next month= $264.19

1- $0
2- My son's 4th bday. $8.06 (Games-Misc.), $16.10 (Target-Misc.), $6.38 (Dollar Tree-Misc.), $11 (Dairy Queen-Eating Out)
3- $0
4- $0
5- $0
6- $16.81 (Walgreens-Groceries), $9.80 (McDonald's Eating Out)
7- $19.09 (Burger King- Eating Out-Our son really wanted to go here for some reason...maybe one too many commercials on TV during American Idol last night. I remember why we don't go here...yuck!), $7.89 (Meijer-Groceries...actually left my receipt there so I have no idea how much I saved off of sales, just know I saved $8 with coupons)
8- $2.88 (Dairy Queen-Eating Out), $6.40 (McDonald's-Eating Out), $7.91 (Doggery-Eating Out)
9- $10.44 (Panera-Eating Out), $35 (Maggiano's-Eating Out)
10- $2.88 (Dairy Queen-Eating Out), $8.29 (Au Bon Pain-Eating Out), $4.83 (McDonald's-Eating Out)
11- $21.03 (Portillo's-Eating Out), $20 (Video Game-Misc.), $4.61 (Target-Groceries)
12- $0
13- $16.05 (Walgreens-Groceries), $9.81 (Wendy's-Eating Out) $7.16 (Meijer-Groceries)
14- $0
15- $0
16- $7 (McDonald's-Eating Out), $4.19 (Dollar Tree- Misc.), $14.71 (Joe Caputo-Groceries), $5.99 (Trader Joe's-Groceries)
17- $19 (Parking-Misc.), $19 (Gene and Jude's-Eating Out), $6.77 (Walgreens-Groceries)
18- $0
19- $11.94 (Dominick's-Groceries), $7.96 (Jewel-Groceries), $2.51 (Meijer-Groceries)
20- $0
21- $0
22- $0
23- $1.20 (Wal-Mart-Groceries), $14.33 (Hot Dogz-Eating Out), $1.50 (Concessions-Eating Out)


Budget: $1480....43%
Month: 23/30: 77%
No Buy: 11/13: 85%

My savings from coupons and sales: $797.59

Next Month: 6 month insurance premium ($300)....First month tuition for preschool ($203)....Broadway in Chicago Tickets ($318)

August: $300 Hotel Room for Cedar Point, October: ~$250 Rental Car

 

[charming23]

Congrats, ronnmel.

 

[Virgderon]

Yay for you ronmel! Congrats on being official. And you still have a big wedding coming up!

Running Total: Spent $548
$800 budget... $252 left
$0 Days: 8
Goal is 8 or more!
coupon/sale savings : 104

Groceries budget- $250-19-7- 69-7-11-25-42-5 -39= 26 left

April 1: 19 ( groceries)
April 2: 0
April 3: 26 ( pop, razor, cleaning supplies, soup)
April 4: 0
April 5: 43 (14 Walgreens, 23 bowling banquet, 6 dinner at bowling)
April 6: 0
April 7: 69 ( Publix groceries)
April 8: 0
April 9: 41 ( 23 lunch, 11 Publix, 7 pop)
April 10 : 0
April 11: 0
April 12 : 12 ( 5 dinner at bowling, 7 at Walgreens)
April 13: 0
April 14 : 14 ( misc including People magazine. Couldn't help it. )
April 15: 45 ( groceries and chinese food )
April 16: 61 ( 42 groceries, 7 books at the flea market, 12 misc)
April 17: 67 ( 46 old navy, 20 Busch gardens lunch, 1 newspaper)
April 18: 47 ( 25 Target food, 12 food at ball game, 10 parking)
April 19 : 17 ( pot luck lunch treats)
April 20: 0
April 21: 35 (13 food at ball game, 22 at Walgreens)
April 22: 39 ( groceries)
April 23: 13 ( 8 bug spray, 5 parking at arena football game)

 

[superme80]

Well I met my goal early!!!! As of Friday we are at a 10/10 No Buy month!!! I still have another month to go!!! It was way easier than I imagined!!!!

 

[Debbie]

We had our legal wedding today.

Congratulations on being 'legal'. Now the fun!

Also, Debbie asked for my cheesy potato recipe - it's probably too late for Easter, but here it is:

Slow Cooked Au Gratin Potatoes
5 – 6 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced ¼ “ thick
½ cup onion, minced
3 Tbl. butter
3 Tbl. flour
2 cups milk
4 oz. smoked gouda, shredded
4 oz. sharp cheddar, shredded
3 Tbl. parmesan cheese
salt and pepper
cooking spray

Coat the interior of the slow cooker crock with cooking spray. Evenly layer the potatoes with the onions. Sprinkle each layer with a pinch of salt and pepper.

In a medium sauce pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook for 1 minute, until the butter is completely absorbed. Slowly add the milk and heat for 3 – 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Do not allow the sauce to boil. Remove from heat and add all three cheeses at once. Stir until the cheeses have melted.

Pour the cheese sauce over the potatoes. Cook the mixture on high for 2 – 2 1/2 hours and then reduce the temperature to low. Cook for an additional hour, or until the potatoes have completely softened. There should be no need to stir during cooking. Serves about 4 – 6 people as a side. The recipe can be easily doubled.

Thanks, angierae. I'll try that in a couple of weeks. How are the envelopes going this month?

Well I met my goal early!!!! As of Friday we are at a 10/10 No Buy month!!!

Yeah! You could do some for me, since it doesn't look like I'm going to make it! And DD in Egypt just messaged and thinks that it would be a good idea if we (sibs and parents) pay to get her little sister to Egypt to visit in the summer. Special-and thoughtful-girl that she is, knows that the younger would love to scuba in the Red Sea with her.

Happy Easter, everyone! And if you don't celebrate....Happy Spring!

 

[angierae]

Thanks, angierae. I'll try that in a couple of weeks. How are the envelopes going this month?

Going okay, although my gas budget going insane with the price of gas meant there was a lot of shuffling. It's definitely been a learning experience and I'm chalking this month up to figuring out what's a "reasonable" budget. I have been fluffing up the short-term savings account so at least THAT part is working - I had to dip into my savings goals for my new tires to put gas in the car but now I know next month that gas is just going to cost me more than I expect. (I only drive 15 miles a day round trip to work, but we've had several hour-long drives this month to different events.)

It's definitely been interesting - especially learning to ask for receipts from everyone! Thanks for checking in!

 

[ronnmel]

RonnMel, Your plans are all coming along splendidly!! Just think, after he wedding, you get to count down to you Disneymoon!!!

Thanks Sunnie! The countdown do the Disneymoon will be both long, short and most of all exciting!

Good things: I found out I had 12 hours of unused sick time last year, so that was added onto my check. Some went towards DD16's Easter basket, some went into the Disney fund, some went into my checking account.

It's always nice to get a little unexpected money.

Congrats, RonNMel on getting married! So exciting!

We are finally better. That was a yucky illness, but we did get away for the night. I haven't really kept good track the past few days, but haven't been too bad. I haven't bought anything really, besides food, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer... which we need so we don't get sick again! Happy Easter--counting it as a no-buy early. Back on Monday.

Thanks QVCshopper.

Glad you guys are doing better!

Congrats, ronnmel.

Thanks Charming!

Yay for you ronmel! Congrats on being official. And you still have a big wedding coming up!

Thanks Virgderon! I know! The big wedding in Cuba will be the real thing, yesterday was just signing papers.

Well I met my goal early!!!! As of Friday we are at a 10/10 No Buy month!!! I still have another month to go!!! It was way easier than I imagined!!!!

Congrats on making your goal early.

Congratulations on being 'legal'. Now the fun!

Yeah! You could do some for me, since it doesn't look like I'm going to make it! And DD in Egypt just messaged and thinks that it would be a good idea if we (sibs and parents) pay to get her little sister to Egypt to visit in the summer. Special-and thoughtful-girl that she is, knows that the younger would love to scuba in the Red Sea with her.

Thanks Debbie! Cuba will definitely be fun!
Haha, that's very typical of a daughter to think of such a thoughtful idea.
Kidding aside, I'm sure your daughters would enjoy spending the time together in Egypt.

 

[charming23]

Happy Easter!!!! Hope the Easter Bunny treated everyone well.

April Budget (3/30-4/29)

Grocery/Household- $300/$65.97 Left
Car/Gas- $50/$17.30 Left
Eating out- $50/$26.80 left
Misc/entertainment- $100/$44.04 left

Total- $500.00/$140.89 left

Goal of 15 No Buy Days

Week One
3/30- $0
3/31- $54.53 Grocery, $26.62 Gas, $3.32 misc, and $13.75 eating out
4/1- $15 Haircut and $13.05 Walgreens
4/2- $0
4/3- $10.21 Grocery and $6.59 Misc
4/4- $0
4/5- $0

Week Two
4/6- $18.44 Grocery and $9.45 eating out
4/7- $0
4/8- $2.99 Pepperidge Farm and $5.45 Walgreens
4/9- $0
4/10- $14.95 Grocery and $9.70 Misc
4/11- $0
4/12- $0

Week Three
4/13- $8.60 Lane Bryant, $30.72 Marc's and $52.66 Giant Eagle
4/14- $0
4/15- $4.49 Giant Eagle
4/16- $19.50 Gas and $20 Walmart
4/17- $0
4/18- $0
4/19- $0

Week Four
4/20- $0
4/21- $12.78 Aldi's
4/22- $6.81 Grocery
4/23- $0
4/24- $0
4/25
4/26

15/15 No Buy Days

Store and Coupon Savings-$111.16

 

[Virgderon]

Not counting Easter dinner, since I paid for it from my bowling winnings, but I did stop at Walgreens.

Running Total: Spent $565
$800 budget... $235 left
$0 Days: 8
Goal is 8 or more!
coupon/sale savings : 104

Groceries budget- $250-19-7- 69-7-11-25-42-5 -39= 26 left

April 1: 19 ( groceries)
April 2: 0
April 3: 26 ( pop, razor, cleaning supplies, soup)
April 4: 0
April 5: 43 (14 Walgreens, 23 bowling banquet, 6 dinner at bowling)
April 6: 0
April 7: 69 ( Publix groceries)
April 8: 0
April 9: 41 ( 23 lunch, 11 Publix, 7 pop)
April 10 : 0
April 11: 0
April 12 : 12 ( 5 dinner at bowling, 7 at Walgreens)
April 13: 0
April 14 : 14 ( misc including People magazine. Couldn't help it. )
April 15: 45 ( groceries and chinese food )
April 16: 61 ( 42 groceries, 7 books at the flea market, 12 misc)
April 17: 67 ( 46 old navy, 20 Busch gardens lunch, 1 newspaper)
April 18: 47 ( 25 Target food, 12 food at ball game, 10 parking)
April 19 : 17 ( pot luck lunch treats)
April 20: 0
April 21: 35 (13 food at ball game, 22 at Walgreens)
April 22: 39 ( groceries)
April 23: 13 ( 8 bug spray, 5 parking at arena football game)
April 24: 17 (Walgreens)