Feb No Buy! Short Month! We can do this!

[MickeyMomOfThree]

Virgderon, hope everything calms down for you. We are here for you if you need to let off some steam!

 

[bigmama67]

NEW PLAN: I’m not going to count days when I only buy groceries, either – of course I’ll keep track of what I spend on them but I consider them to be necessary spending. I end up doing a bit here and a bit there but that’s the way my schedule works, and it’s not discretionary IMHO. So…

2/1 - $21.13 on groceries today, $4.16 on a shirt for DS to be a Sneetch (it's Dr. Seuss week at school), $10 on Shari's Berries voucher (gift for DH).

2/2 - $61.98 on groceries - stocked up on meat and cereal, $516.84 left for the month.
$0

2/3 - $0

2/4 - $50.70 groceries/$466.14; $20.65 household; $6 to see a movie with my friend (didn't buy $nack$ this time, LOL!). Also paid some bills but I don't count that.

2/5 - Planned a "no-buy" day but that went out the window! $8.50 Johnny Rockets, groceries - $16.85 on Amazon and $14.41 at Stop & Shop; $8.01 for beer; $7.48 for LED lights and $40.79 for clothing at Kohls! So much for a "no-buy" day, huh? LOL.

2/6 – Groceries $62.48, coupon savings $70.20! $372.40 left for the month. Also $4.00 for DH and DS to bowl a couple of games.

2/7 - $0

2/8 – Groceries $82.11/$290.29 left for month (also tipped $5 to the delivery guy); $9.99 for Fish Oil for my cats (buy one get one free!); $16.46 on stuff for the house (new pizza pans, etc.); $28.99 for birthday gifts for DS’ (twin) friends; DH put $10 of gas in the car...Paid a few bills too.

2/9 – 50 cents to print documents at the library; $1.61 for a toothbrush, $10 for DH’s tab at a social event. So much for no-buy day #3, next chance for one will be Sunday.

2/10 – Toys R Us $11.32; Groceries $8.08/$282.21 left for month; gas $3 (to keep it going till I can get to Costco for the cheap gas!)

2/11 – DS lunch at school $4.65; Costco $88.96 groceries/$193.25 left for the month but we don’t need much more; cat litter $11.99; gas $31.35; $5.65 for a gift bag and tissue paper at CVS; Gymboree $55.68 (20% off and I'll get $25 Gymbucks!); Target $12.83 (new potty for DD and Pepsi); $9 for a My First LeapPad at the consignment store – I got it for DD because I thought her other one was broken (it turns out it isn’t, but DH said we might as well keep the second one just in case; they don’t make them any more)! Expensive day!

2/12 - Circus Science Day at the Museum (we’re members so at least admission was free): $7 parking, $16 lunch, $10 souvenirs. We had a BLAST though! Groceries $30.75/$162.50 left for month!

2/13 – $40.48 gas for my van/$168.17 left for month; $26.57 Costco groceries/$135.93 left for month; $10.00 DH’s prescription; he also bought some beer (DD already pulled the sixpack down and broke one…) and some stuff for my new tutoring assignments but that came out from a different account so I won’t count it.

2/14 – $0
(DH got me something at Bath & Body Works but I don't know how much it was and so I'm assuming it came from a different source.)

Although it's a no-buy day, it's also a no-earn day. I was supposed to start some new tutoring gigs today but that's on hold now because of some snafu with the classroom I was supposed to use. ARGH! I had already arranged for DD to go to her old daycare - canceled that for today and tomorrow, now I'll start Wednesday - and DS is going to Extended Care, which I'll leave as is. He was looking forward to it and it happens to be over 60 degrees out! Going to the park with DD soon, in fact! (Update: she fell asleep on the way, and there was still snow on the ground anyhow, so we came right home.)

2/15 – Groceries $7.89/$128.04 left for the month - saved $11.01 in coupons/discounts! Also paid some bills.
$0

2/16 – $0

2/17 – Poor little DD had a tummy bug so…$5.49 to get some ginger ale for her (also root beer for me and a strawberry milk for DS…we had to walk to the overpriced deli since I was washing her car seat…’nuff said on that )…also DH got a few grocery items at Stop & Shop - $6.27 and his protein powder (counts under health) $10.99. So $116.28 left for the month on groceries and I’m only halfway to my no-buy goal as of the 17th…sigh…not looking too hopeful.

2/18 – DS school lunch $4.65; took DD to doctor $15; also DH got some Pedia pops and crackers for DD at the grocery store $10; DH took DS out to dinner so DD could rest with me $18; out of desperation we brought DD to the E.R. (I lost count of how many times she threw up yesterday…sweetie couldn’t even keep down a tiny bit of breast milk!) They gave her an anti-nausea shot which FINALLY seems to have done the trick - $50 copay.

2/19 – DS bowling $8 and soda at the alley $2. Dunkin’ Donuts latte 99 cents (coupon) and bag of chips at the play reading I went to (75 cents). New umbrella stroller $79.99 (Britax Blink from Albee Baby…SO cute!)

2/20 – we ended up canceling our dinner out because DD was still iffy (though much better). I bought some beer & wine for the evening but that was from a different account so I won’t include it in the budget. Gas $33.12.

2/21 – Got my tires fixed and after much back-and-forth with the dealer they did it under the warranty so $0! Groceries $47.90
$0

2/22 – $21.32 for groceries and more of DH’s protein powder (BOGO!) $5 for Gatorade because DH has DD’s stomach bug. $18.18 at Staples for a printer cartridge and some lollipops.

2/23 - $8.68 at Shop Rite for a few more things (isn’t it always a few more things?) - $38.38 left for the month…
$0

2/24 – Going to Liberty Science Center today instead of Tuesday…$$$! I’ve made food to bring along for lunch at least.

2/25 – planning for no-buy day

2/26 - DS bowling league

2/27 – ?

2/28 - ?

Coupon/Discount savings so far: $354.40! (If ONLY I could bank that…sigh…)

No-buy days: 8/8

 

[dtr_angel]

Makes perfect sense and congratulations! I am also impressed with your eating out $$$ as it is a necessity since your husband travels. Great work!

Woo hoo walk, you're almost to your goal!!

Charming, is your power back on? If I missed it, I am sorry. I like your idea about sticking to the total budget, even if one category is over! What so you do with your leftover budget?

3Goofyboys, the eating out thing is very hard to me too! I am trying hard to get better about it!

Tiggerish, congratulations on meeting your 'no buy' goal!

QVC Shopper, congratulations on the weight loss!

Mmclainbarbosa, WELCOME!! Warning, this gets addictive!!

If I missed anyone, I apologize, I had a really BAD day at work last night and have to go back in a few minutes to do it all over again!

Thanks! I guess I shouldn't worry so much about budgeting for a whole month, and just stick to doing 2 weeks at a time. My husband packs as big of a lunch as he can to last him as long as possible on his trips (he is usually gone 30-50 hours at a time) but there is no guarantee that there is going to be a fridge/microwave in his hotel room where he stays so packing enough for his trip home isn't really an option since it could spoil. He usually takes enough food to eat on the way down, while he's down there, and then grabs a sandwich or something to eat on his trip back. I think he does pretty well considering how much he is away from home! He is getting so sick of eating out though and we're running out of ideas of things he can pack in his lunch.

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

Sorry I haven't been making comments on how well you are all doing. Its been a stressful couple weeks- we are looking to list our house in Chicago, and I've been talking to realtors. I've also been negotiating with a company that wants to hire me, but I need to make more money than they want to pay. To top it off, DD can't decide if she wants to go back to Grand Rapids for college next year, or come to Florida and work and go to school part time. Lots of discussion going on there.

So.. I have been kind of into myself, and not commenting and supporting as well as I should- Im sorry. Hopefully my life will calm down a bit next month.

You have a lot on your plate right now!

NEW PLAN: I’m not going to count days when I only buy groceries, either – of course I’ll keep track of what I spend on them but I consider them to be necessary spending. I end up doing a bit here and a bit there but that’s the way my schedule works, and it’s not discretionary IMHO. So…

I find it interesting that many of us are switching from a focus on the number of $0 Buy Days to a focus of staying within budget for the month.

Thanks! I guess I shouldn't worry so much about budgeting for a whole month, and just stick to doing 2 weeks at a time. My husband packs as big of a lunch as he can to last him as long as possible on his trips (he is usually gone 30-50 hours at a time) but there is no guarantee that there is going to be a fridge/microwave in his hotel room where he stays so packing enough for his trip home isn't really an option since it could spoil. He usually takes enough food to eat on the way down, while he's down there, and then grabs a sandwich or something to eat on his trip back. I think he does pretty well considering how much he is away from home! He is getting so sick of eating out though and we're running out of ideas of things he can pack in his lunch.

That's great! And I think if two weeks works better for you, than you should do two week budget cycles!

 

[3goofyboys]

Has anyone else noticed this thread moves a lot slower at the end of the month than the beginning?

I notice it every month. Isn't it funny?

Never joined one of these threads, hope you don't mind a newcomer. We have been on holiday, and one gets in to the habit of impulse purchasing.

Welcome, welcome, welcome!

If I missed anyone, I apologize, I had a really BAD day at work last night and have to go back in a few minutes to do it all over again!

Hope your day is going better!

Sorry I haven't been making comments on how well you are all doing. Its been a stressful couple weeks- we are looking to list our house in Chicago, and I've been talking to realtors. I've also been negotiating with a company that wants to hire me, but I need to make more money than they want to pay. To top it off, DD can't decide if she wants to go back to Grand Rapids for college next year, or come to Florida and work and go to school part time. Lots of discussion going on there.

So.. I have been kind of into myself, and not commenting and supporting as well as I should- Im sorry. Hopefully my life will calm down a bit next month.

It's hard when you have a lot on your plate! I'm kind of in the same boat and things are sliding all over my life. I'm ready to be done with this adventure and move on to the next one!

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

I notice it every month. Isn't it funny?

I know I have been guilty of the *Slink Away Slowly To Not Be Noticed* method in the past on this thread! Several times, in fact! I think it took about 6 months of trying to make it all the way through the month! I think each month I got a few days farther into the month before totally blowing the budget out of the water.

 

[A.Mickey]

Running Total: Spent $1637.09
$0 Days:9/10

Groceries ($252-$9/day)- $217.54
Eating Out ($196-$7/day)- $166.70
Misc. (Shopping/Entertainment) ($1008-$36/day) $1044.85
Gas $200?- $25 (2/3), $48 (2/6), $28 (2/8), $30 (2/14), $45 (2/20), $32 (2/22) = $208

WEEK 1 BEGIN:
1- $12.68 (McDonald's-Eating Out), $21.04 (Walgreens-Groceries), $6.34 (Meijer-Groceries)
2- As much as I would like to go out, to get a few items at Dominick's before they are off sale, it is not happening. We got 22" of snow! Only emergency and medical vehicles are allowed on the road.
$0
3- $31.43 (Meijer-Groceries), $4.88 (McDonald's-Eating Out)
4- $0
5- $9.97 (CVS-Groceries), $5.99 (Dominick's-Groceries)
WEEK 2 BEGIN:
6- $2 (Dollar Tree-Papers), $6.37 (Meijer-Groceries), $3/bag, probably got over 50 kids books (Library Book Sale-Shopping), $12.95 (Walgreens-Groceries), $13.98 (Wendy's-Eating Out), $291.60 (Hotel for 2 nights St. Louis in July, staying right next to the arch and we can walk to Busch stadium for the U2 concert), $101.25 (Car Registration-Misc.)
7- $35 (Joe Caputo-Groceries)
8- $200 (Registration for Spring Classes for our 3 year old son and preschool in the fall)
9- $6 (McDonald's-Eating Out), $23 (Post Office-Misc. Needed to send in a DSLR lens that broke on our trip in December, it is still under warranty though, so hopefully this will save me money in the long run, and also bought a book of stamps)
10- $0
11- $0
12- $6.82 (Jewel-Groceries), $2 (Dollar Tree-Shopping Newspapers), $9.80 (McDonald's-Eating Out), $13.15 (Eating Out-Subway)
WEEK 3 BEGIN:
13- $31 (Zoo-Eating Out, bought a refillable mug for $10 that will be good til the end of the year, now we just have to remember to bring it), $19 (Meijer-Groceries), $6.77 (Super Target-Groceries)
14- $3.81 (Joe Caputo-Groceries), $16.58 (KFC-Eating Out and Hubby's Valentine's Day present...he loves Hot wings and last week he wanted them, but he couldn't justify getting them when we have so much food in the house. He works 3rd shift so I lined them up on a pan to make them spell out I "heart" U. I can't wait til he sees it. He loves his hotwings and hasn't had them for a long time)
15- $0
16- $215 (Southwest-bought two one way tickets for our trip in Sept/October), $1.65 (Walgreens-Groceries), $7.26 (Wendy's-Eating Out)
17- $0
18- $0
19- $12 (Dollar Tree-Groceries (bought alot of stuff to start a container garden), $8 (Parking-Misc.), $27 (foodlife-Eating Out), $15 (Culver's-Eating Out), $14 (Justice-Shopping)
WEEK 4 BEGIN:
20- $9 (Meijer-Groceries), $11 (Justice-Shopping), $82 (Frys-Shopping)
21- $0
22- $20.34 (Target-Groceries-Awesome frozen food deal and got back $15 in Target Gift Cards), $9.37 (McDonald's-Eating Out), $9.06 (Walgreens-Groceries)
23- $0


Budget: $1656....99%
Month: 23/28: 82%
No Buy: 9/10: 90%

My savings from coupons and sales: $765.45

Next Month: Pictures, Ohio Hotel, two trips by train, Great America season pass installment, 2nd half of our airplane tickets for October, ink for printer, laptop...

 

[nunzia]

Feb 1- Gas $20, Walmart shopping trip during a snowstorm..ack: $106.89 (more than I expected to spend, but dogs have to eat and DH needs his beer) coupons: $8.45
2- $0 (even New Mexico was snowed in today)
3- took a friend visiting from Florida out for lunch $22.87, went to Dollar Tree for hash browns but got my DH his favorite cookies instead since they had no hash browns $5.00, ended up at Lowes for hash browns $1.99
4- $12.00..out for lunch with another friend
5- $0
6- $0
7- $0
8- $0 ( to be fair..I did buy a plane ticket for DH's trip to join me after Expo next year, but that wasn't an optional purchase and money came from trip account..I'm only counting optional things, food and gas, not things that are locked in stone)
9- Big spending day! DH medicine and gas: $20, groceries: $39, Leapfrog site,,they still have some DIDJ stuff on clearance and I bought DGS a Didj for Christmas and he loves it so needed to get stuff before it totally disappears, plus a charger to save on batteries, so $53, and DH had to buy materials to replace the pad to our bedroom carpet that got ruined during the big stupid freeze/thaw we had, so $166 ACK Coupons, $2.50 (PS edited to *** $4.90 to ship Valentines stuff to out of state grandkids..forgot to yesterday)
10- $0
11- $9.00, lunch out with a friend, $9.00 grandkids to Dollar Tree after school
12- $20.45 at my second job, Hastings, for frappe, bagel, magazines for grandkids and part of a wedding shower gift, $45.75 WalMart, rest of the wedding shower gift, a few groceries and WHOOP toys on super clearance put away for future events, $30.00 Bingo night out with son and DIL
13-$0
14-$0
15-$1.74 movie rental, $10.00 gas, $4.50 berries on sale
16-$26 Walmart..groceries and did I mention the great Toys clearance?
17-Took a day off from work today. At my other job spent $1.00 for a bagel (started feeling shakey..low blood sugar issues) and rental clearance Sorcerer's Apprentice for $4.99, then went to Penny's because I had overpaid my CC and got some stuff for a baby shower and grandkids, but cost nothing, down the mall past Hallmark, who had all their left over ornaments on sale for $2.00 each, bought 2..Kmart to finish getting stuff for the baby shower, $16.96, then tacos for lunch $4.80. We also went out to dinner with friends, but used a GC
18-Dang, blew it with $6.89 at Dollar Tree with the grandkids...
19- $0
20-$66.41, Walmart groceries AND the cashier hit the process button before taking off my coupons..SO irritated... $9.00 lunch with friend
21- Disney...$116.00 gas$ 10.00 (3.08 a gallon ouch)and wine $12.69
22- $0
23- $0
24-
25-
26-
27-
28-

11/12

 

[SunnieRN]

WheresPiglet, thank you for the well wishes! Last night they floated me. It was even worse, but I am off tonight and tomorrow!: Thank you for caring, and your no buy days are amazing!

(((((((Virgderon)))))), I hope things calm down for you! You support all of us a lot! I appreciate you!

#1hoosier fan, I hope your son has a speedy recovery!! I hope you are doing alright through it all!

MickeyMomOfThree, your day sounded wonderful and how wonderful that it was so budget friendly also!!

Bigmama67, I hope your husband feels better soon!

Wow dtr_angel, you are both very disciplined!! I am very impressed!

3goofy boys, thank you for the good wishes! Unfortunately, my day was like this, .

A Mickey, your savings are always completely amazing, in my book!

Woo hoo Nunzia, you're almost there!!

Have a great day everyone! I am going to peruse a bit, then sleep, lol.

 

[IMALOVNDISNEY]

Sorry I haven't been making comments on how well you are all doing. Its been a stressful couple weeks- we are looking to list our house in Chicago, and I've been talking to realtors. I've also been negotiating with a company that wants to hire me, but I need to make more money than they want to pay. To top it off, DD can't decide if she wants to go back to Grand Rapids for college next year, or come to Florida and work and go to school part time. Lots of discussion going on there.

So.. I have been kind of into myself, and not commenting and supporting as well as I should- Im sorry. Hopefully my life will calm down a bit next month

To you. C

 

[princessbride6205]

Just tracking this month, will figure out what I can budget and where I can save for March. Exceptions will be a nice Valentine's date night and if I buy myself a birthday gift (overdue from October! Long story...).

2/1 - $6.50 parking
2/2 - $6.50 parking, $1 breakfast, $13 DD & DH dinner out
2/3 - $6.50 parking
2/4 - $6.50 parking, $20 DH out with friends
2/5 - $9 family breakfast, $15 family dinner, $103 groceries
2/6 - $6 newspapers/grocery
2/7 - $6.50 parking, $5 clothing, $10 grocery
2/8 - $8 parking (boo-hiss, bad traffic made me miss the early bird price)
2/9 - $6.50 parking, $14 Girl Scout Cookies, $26 family dinner
2/10 - $6.50 parking, $30 clothing alterations
2/11 - $15 parking (me & DH)
2/12 - $0
2/13 - $140 clothing, $2 coffees, $2 newspaper, $28 lunch, $32 gas
2/14 - $6.50 parking, $41 gas for DH car
2/15 - $6.50 parking, $13 outfit for DD & clearance Valentine's for next year
2/16 - $6.50 parking, $7 lunch
2/17 - $6.50 parking,$9 dinner for me & DD
2/18 - $6.50 parking, $6 snack, $56 dry cleaning
2/19 - $76 grocery, $21 family dinner
2/20 - $15 grocery/newspaper, $11 pizza (DH talked me into it).
2/21 - $7.50 parking
2/22 - $6.50 parking, $12 DH & DD dinner
2/23 - $6.50 parking
2/24 - $6.50 parking

Dining out: $180
Transport: $201
Groceries: $226
Other: $244

 

[Virgderon]

Thanks everyone for your well wishes- I'm fine, just a little flustered right now. Doing very well on the budget this month, but need another 0 day.

Running Total: Spent $890
$1225 budget... $335 left
$0 Days: 7
Goal is 8 or more!
coupon/sale savings : 98

Groceries budget- $250-25-14-45-31-7-19-16-11= 82 left

Feb. 1 : 45 (groceries and laundry detg, snacks for hockey game tonight, 10 for parking at hockey game tonight)
Feb. 2 : 0
Feb. 3: 24 (10 shipping DDs e-bay stuff, 14 pop and bread)
Feb. 4: 23 (Cracker Barrell)
Feb. 5: 250 (205 car repair, 45 groceries)
Feb. 6: 0
Feb. 7: 20 (dr. co-pay)
Feb. 8 : 62 (32 bowling, 6 food at bowling, 14 Walgreens pop & misc, 10 Walgreens prescription co-pay)
Feb. 9 : 0
Feb. 10 : 58 (27 Walgreens, 31 Publix - got some good bogos today!)
Feb. 11: 16 ( card and small gift for DH for Valentines day)
Feb. 12 : 93 ( 88 Ross for clothes, 5 gas - the stupid pump ran out and I did not have patience to go to another one)
Feb. 13: 70 (20 breakfast, 50 haircut, color, tip)
Feb. 14 : 0
Feb. 15: 30 ( Walgreens - cleaning supplies, 7 pop)
Feb.16 : 0
Feb. 17 : 19 (groceries)
Feb 18-20 : 102 (Orlando weekend, food , etc.)
Feb. 21 : 0
Feb. 22: 37 (16 bowling, 5 food at bowling, 16 groceries)
Feb, 23: 0
Feb. 24: 40 (21 Walgreens, 11 pop, 8 shipping at USPS)

 

[SunnieRN]

February goals: No spend days: 12
Food budget: Try for $200 for the rest of the month
Save: $800.00
Medical $150
Cash: $100 for 2 weeks, starting 2/11

Feb 1: $0
Feb 2: $62.50 Groceries
Feb 3: $0
Feb 4: $0
Fab 5: $40.00 prescription
Feb 6: $27.60 Chuck E Cheese, GM #2 birthday party
Feb 7: $0
Feb 8: $10 CEC to have lunch and use leftover tokens. (Money from spendable cash, last pay period. Payday 2/11 start over with $100/2 weeks)
Feb 9: I just got home from working 13 hours. I also have to go back to do it again in 9 1/2 hours. That is why I can post now and be 100% sure this will be a $0 day!! Sleep, eat and clean up for work.
Feb 10: $0
Feb 11: $92.00 groceries and Valentines Day; $90, Credit Cards (used 1 x mo. and paid off each month); $800.00 to savings; $103 to Med cushion; $142 Clothing cushion.
Feb 12: Working tonight so $0!
Feb 13: Working $0!
Feb 14: DMV $11, filed my taxes $22, but, I got a reimbursement check from my glasses purchase, so deposited $120.00! The other $40 I used to take everyone out for breakfast for Valentines day! Happy Valentines Day to everyone! Thank you for the continued inspiration!
Feb 15: $0!
Feb 16: $0!
Feb 17: Have to work again too night and am too tired to spend any money. Sleep, eat and go back to work again. This means I can call this one now!! Nighty night!
Feb 18: Pd 2 bills, not counted, Got $40 out of the bank, in case I need it, but didn't spend it, so $0!!
Feb 19: $0!
Feb 20: well, here goes, target, shampoo, lotion, dog stuff, paper products. All needed, $20! Lunch with daughter and 1 Grandmunchkin $36.00, michaels $0, best buy $0, toys r us $0!!! I feel really good about today and, had a blast!
Feb 21: $0!!
Feb 22: $0. I have to work tonight and I am really happy, as otherwise I would have not had a zero day. I would have gone and bought yeast, to make Auntie Annes pretzels!
Feb 23: $0!! I almost broke my resolve and was going to use a gift card from work, for our cafeteria for dinner. Decided not to and eat here prior to going to work.
Feb 24: wouldn't have thought it would be, but $0'

$0 Days: 17!. Tomorrow is bills and groceries, so not a 'no buy'.

 

[Tiggerish]

The February budget is $850 with 12 no spend days.

Auto $70 / $40 left
Eating Out/Entertainment $85 / $49 over
Giving $10 / $0 left
Groceries/Household Goods $250 /$189 left
Medical $25 / $8 over
Misc. $75 / $10 over
Set bills $335 / $54 left

I have two exceptions to my budget this month - - everything related to my cataract surgeries and an over night business trip (legal stuff) to Chicago.

No spend days goal of 12 / 12
Coupon savings $51.48
Christmas '11 running total = $8
---------------------------------------------------------------------

2/1 $0
2/2 $0
2/3 Auto $30 (gas); Groceries $3; Eating out $5
2/4 $0
2/4 Misc. $33 (birthday present for my brother-in-law)
2/6 Set bills $191 (Church, hosp., Dr. and dentist)
2/7 $0
2/8 $0
2/9 $3 Eating out
2/10 $0
2/11 Groceries $12; Eating out $13
2/12 Groceries $35
2/13 Set bills $20 (church); Giving $10 (the Gideons were at church today); Groceries $6
2/14 Eating out $38 (took my nieces and my sister out for V Day); Set bills $40 (cell phone and newpaper)
2/15 $0 (Rt. eye cataract surgery today)
2/16 $0
2/17 $0
2/18 $0
2/19 $72 Eating out
2/20 $30 set bills (church); $11 Medical
2/21 $0
2/22 $5 Groceries; $52 Misc. (haircut and stamps); $22 Medical (new prescription)
2/23 $0
2/24 $3 Eating out (got a sandwich and drink from the Arby's dollar menu to eat in the car since I missed lunch)

 

[charming23]

Charming, is your power back on? If I missed it, I am sorry. I like your idea about sticking to the total budget, even if one category is over! What so you do with your leftover budget?

Yes our power came back on around dinner time on Tuesday. The leftover budget usually just goes into the savings account. We already have a set amount that gets transferred over every month so leftover budget is just a bonus.

Today was suppossed to be a no buy day but a friend called to meet for coffee and then I needed to get a little gas.

I also finally took my coins from my bucket to the coinstar machine today and I had $21.03. So found money today too.

February Budget-
Groceries/Household- $300/-$14.51 left
Car/Gas- $50/$17.39 left
Eating Out- $50/$12.25 left
Misc/Entertainment- $100/$28.07 left

Total-$500/$38.26 left

Goal of 14 No buy days

Week One
2/1- $0- Snow Day
2/2- $0- Snow Day
2/3- $0- Snow Day
2/4- $49.82 Grocery and $12.74 Misc
2/5- $17.40 Lunch, $12.94 Jeans, and $8.43 groceries
2/6- $0
2/7- $0

Week Two
2/8- $6.30 Walgreen's and $5.58 Drugmart
2/9- $71.96 Grocery and $4.49 lunch
2/10- $37.38 Grocery, $14.01 lunch, and $46.25 Fashion Bug
2/11- $0- My Birthday
2/12- $0
2/13- $22.58 Gas and $11.51 Grocery
2/14- $23.43 Grocery/meds

Week Three
2/15- $0
2/16- $0
2/17- $55.46 Groceries
2/18- $0
2/19- $0- Found $15
2/20- $0
2/21- $0- No Power

Week Four
2/22- $0- No Power
2/23- $44.64 Groceries
2/24- $1.85 caribou coffe and $10.03 gas--- Found $21.03 in coins
2/25
2/26
2/27
2/28

14/14 No Buy Days

Coupon and Store Savings- $113.69

 

[wlake]

Congrats on meeting your goals (I'm way behind on noticing!) Charming, SunnyRN, Tiggerish, and anyone else I've missed!

Virgderon, I hope things get settled soon!

I've decided on a new plan for next month. I'll still have a no buy day goal, as it really helps me to decide to cook dinner rather than blow a no buy on take out. My other goal is going to be to buy nothing (with three exceptions) that is not consumable. I have too much stuff in my house, so nothing new! The three exceptions are: a guide book to DC for our upcoming vacation, birthday gifts for the boys (I don't like to wait until the last minute!), and a 9x9 Pyrex baking dish with a lid (long story!).

2/1:
2/2:
2/3:
2/4: $40 Lands' End (sheets for DS and pants for me), $21 after school, $4 Amazon ebooks
2/5: Target, Walmart, AC Moore, and something else?
2/6: groceries
2/7:
2/8: $41 things for school
2/9: gas, $12 bagels, $120 for Little League registration (actually paying it tomorrow, but as I'm writing the check and filling out the forms tonight so I can just drop it off tomorrow, I'm counting it for today.)
2/10: $20 pharmacy, $2.50 snacks DS needs for school for tomorrow (I thought they were due Monday and was going to roll them into the weekly grocery shopping. Good thing the pharmacy is at a grocery store!)
2/11: $39 after school, ? take out
2/12: a surprise one, but I'll take it!
2/13: ? groceries (all DH will say is that he overspent -- oh well!), $3 Amazon book
2/14: ? more groceries while DH was at the pharmacy, ? pharmacy, $150 for the furnace visit when the pipes were frozen
2/15: ? cough meds and soda for me, $1 Amazon for a Kindle book
2/16:
2/17: (although we got take out using gift cards for dinner, I'm not counting this as either -- it was my first day back at work and DH was out of town, so I knew I wouldn't have the left over energy to cook after being so sick)
2/18: (had the wrong checkbook to pay after school)
2/19: $3 thread, $6 Walmart (includes Valentines for the boys to give to their classmates next year at 61¢ a pack!)
2/20: $7 bagels, $? Trader Joe's (I love visiting there!), $25 dinner out (not really our choice, as we were driving the couple of hours home from my MIL's), $14 after school (wrote the check tonight, dropping it off tomorrow)
2/21:
2/22: $36 Target (no great Valentine clearance, though), $78 groceries, and ? gas (I've already forgotten!)
2/23:
2/24: $5 post office, $6 groceries/laundry soap. However, I got a $120 check from the consignment shop to put towards the newly planned summer trip!

no buy days: 10/11
longest streak: 3
meals out: 2/5
days without dinner out: 4
longest no dinners out streak: 10

 

[MickeyMomOfThree]

I'm in, with my own twist. Recording groceries but not couting them towards no buy days, but also raising my no buy days to 18. Hoping to get a real feel for the difference from this month last year, since January was a bust.

February 1-$0 I am doing better but still not eating more then a few bites so no stregnth to go anywhere. I am going to attempt to cook dinner for the first time in over 2 weeks, but just an easy crock pot dinner. It's something.
February 2-$0 Kids had the day off. We didn't get as much snow as they called for, but they had alreayd called school. They have never done that, caled it too early, and I am sure they won't soon again.
February 3-$0 Was really hoping to be better by today and able to grocery shop. That was not the case. Maybe tomorrow.
February 4-$0 A little bummed. We had tickets (free!) to see the Globetrotters tonight. I was really hoping to be able to go, especially since we missed Disney on Ice. I am still not eating, so very weak. I feel a lot better but just too weak to go. So the family is out to dinner and the show and I am at home in bed. A little sad, but really happy they are getting to go.
February 5-I actually spent money today. $21 on a baby gift for a shower I am supposed to go to tomorrow. I probably won't make it, but I wanted to get a gift either way. My DH took me out tonight. We thought I needed some frsh air. It was nice to get out. It was snowing and so beautiful. We went to Babies R Us. I used the shopping cart as a walker and it went OK. We wern't in there long but it felt good to be out. Then he said since we were there and he needed some things at Sam's did I mind if he ran in. I got overly confident and went in with him. My legs felt like they were going to crumble under me so I went and sat down while he got what we needed. After he bought me a soft pretzel. $1
February 6-$0 I even made it to the shower today. I decided to just sit, not eat, and chat, but I made it! DH drove us cause I don't think I am ready to drive yet. After he was headed to get some groceries, not much but for tonight and tomorrow and the kids lunches, so I went with him. Didn't make it too long before I went to sit and wait for him, but it was nice to see Wegman's again. I haven't grocery shopped in almost a month! He spent almost $100 but that included premade food for tonight (usually I'd cook but not up to that.)
February 7-$0 I didn't leave the house today, but I did spend most of the day out of bed and even got some house work done. Crasy as it seems, I have missed it. Well, maybe not the work but the satisfaction of getting something done.
February 8-$0 I cooked dinner for the family today, I may even try and eat some, it smells good. (Chili and jalapeno cheddar cornbread, might skip that for tonight.) And I scrubbed the heck out of the bathroom, DH did a great job maintaining the house but things like the bathroom were not cleaned well. ICK! And I vaccumed, that wore me out but I feel very accomplished!!! Tired, but accomplished!!!
February 9-$0 Just groceries today, $88. It needed to be more, but I got worn out and gave up, so I will have to go back again soon.
February 10- This was a non-stop day. I had planned to put dinner in the crockpot early, but got a FB message from my BIO-father. It has been about 20 years since I last saw him, I have seen him 3 or 4 times in my life. He is sick, dying I guess, and wants to see me again. I am struggling with this. I am trying so hard to get over my childhood and feel this would make me regress, at the same time I know people can change and maybe he has and how do I deny someone their dying wish? Anyway, I was so flustered I left withouth putting dinner in. There was no time at all for dinner, so takeout was $16.20. I also went and got the kids a little Valentine, DH's card, some groceries, etc. That was $36.37. This also included decorations and paper goods for our GS V-day dance, it was supposed to be reinbursed but some people didn't pay.
February 11-$0
February 12- $168.10 Sam's, uggg. We needed everything! And $3 for the kids to eat there while I shopped. Then I did something crazy!!! I bought myself some new clothes. I havn't done this is forever, but told DH I would. So that was $133.92 but I am taking back one shirt, it looked OK there but not at home.And I got gas $48.08
February 13- Went on a date with hubby. We went to the movies, we saw Just Go With It and it was soooooo goooood!!! That was $10. After we went to Outback, but we used a coupon and a GC so nothing was spent there. The I went and got a few things at Walmart, all food except for $9 for a shirt to wear under a shirt I got the day before.
February 14- Lunch with Hubby . I had a coupon so our meal was $10, we tipped $3. Then I ran to Sam's and got the few things I forgot the other day, since I was there. $35 and spend $5 on flowers to take to DH at work.
February 15-$0
February 16- (groceries $23) and $4 for a snack for the kids between snowshoeing and dance. I am so annoyed cause I forgot to grab something, but I used a coupon so OK. And I won $50 today!!!
February 17-$0 (bought some groceries, need to find receipt.)
February 18- Was a no spend day till while I was making dinner, Dh's best friend called. He was having a bad day. He had been in court arguing custody of his kids. Anyway, he had the girls (they are 3 and 4) and he wanted company, so we met at Chuck E Cheese. We had tokens out the wazzoo, but we ate there. $26.
February 19- Was again supposed to be a $0 day, but it wasn't. Our friends called to meet, we said sure, so we got all ready and then they had to turn around cause of weather. Hubby and I went out instead. We went to have Thai food. I never had it, and I hated it, but hubby loves it and is always raving about it so I wanted to try. DD16 liked that I hated it cause she got my leftovers. Thaat was $22. Then we went to see The Delimma, we loved it. That was at the cheap theater, so $4. Then we went to his office and I watched him work for a while. I washed his coffe cup, and organized some papers and just chatted while he worked. The we got some groceries (about $70.) Came home and made dinner and are relaxing.
February 20- Hubby and I started our bowling league tonight, it was a blast. That was $24, then we spent $10 on snacks. Probably shouldn't have, but I don't regret it. Also today, though I don't count it I like to record it, I woke up in tremendous pain in my back. I didn't think I was going to get to go tonight, so hubby went and got me some Aleve and Icy-Hot, that was $10. On a good note, he fixed a computer today (his side job) and made $130.
February 21- UGGG!!! My plan for the week off with the kids was a day in, then a day out. Today we were in. We did a good cleaning and went though old clothes. Then hubby called. He has been doing South Beach, and is in phase 2, and doing really good with almost no carbs. But today he wanted pizza. GOOD pizza. We used to get pizza every week and he hasn't had it since the new year. He said he's be good, 2 pieces but was willing to go to the gym longer for it and I am a firm believer of enjoy8ing life too and if yo udeny yourself you will snap and eat a whole pizza so I said OK. So, $20 for pizza. After that I picked up DD16 from the mall with her friends. They were all talking about Shamrock Shakes. All my friends on FB have been talking about them too. I never had one (yeah, live in a cave) so I stopped and got one. I didn't think it was that great and not worth the calories so the kids drank it. That was $3. I wouldn't have considered it if not for the pizza, but now I know what it is when everyone talks about them. I'd say better luck tomorrow, but no can do, they worked hard with me tomorrow so I am taking them somewhere tomorrow.
February 22-$0 Just bought groceries. Was going to take the kids out but they played happily here, so going out tomorrow. $117.52 groceries
February 23- $10, It was a beautiful day so I took the kids ice skating at the outdoor rink. We went with friends and packed hot cocoa. Then they came home and I made dinner whie they played Wii and then we went to Family Night at the restaurant but didn't get anything. Not bad for a fun filled day.
February 24-$0 Sleepover night at my house, each girl has a friend over. But I didn't have them come for dinner, so I cooked. They will have snacks and stuff, but stuff in the house. Had they come for dinner we would have ordeed pizza. Thankfully none of them could come till later so I got out of that. Tomorrow we are supposed to get a big snowstorm. We will see. I wonder if I will be snowed in with 6 kids???

Money Spent this Month-$

No Buy Days 13/18 Number of no buys is up cause I am no longer counting groceries towards no buy, my new for 2011 rule for myself. Fogot about break when I set the goal. I won't make it, but doing OK.

Groceries



$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Back in 2011 cause I'd miss you all so much!
January-25
Longest Streak-Currently 19 (but I have been sick)Joined No Buy as a New Years Resolution in 2010 and did pretty well-
January-14 Days
February-13 Days
March-17 Days
April-15 Days
May-15 Days
June-8 Days
July- 6 Days (only in town and only recorded half the month, probably had about 7-8 no buys while away)
August-15 Days
September-15 Days
October-13 Days
November-6 Days (only kept track till November 16th cause we were in Disney the rest of the month)
December-10
Longest Streak-4 Days in a Row

 

[QVCshopper]

Just one more no-buy day to reach my goal. Will probably get that on Monday.

I'm going to continuing tracking my no-buy days because they keep me out of the stores. And I do love to shop and look around. It's a bad hobby so I've mostly stopped.

Good luck to everyone with the rest of the month, especially those with a lot on their plates! We can do this!!!

13/14 no-buy days

2/1-$0
2/2-$35 Wegmans*
2/3-$0; 1.5 miles
2/4-$5.75 Target*, $4.50 Michaels*, $4.25 PetSmart*, $22.50 Genuardis*, $18 Chinese Food, $1 Library, 2 miles
2/5-$31.75 Pottery Barn Kids, $29 Disney Store, $2.50 Chuck E Cheese
2/6-$24.50 Genuardis*, $47.50 Wegmans*
2/7-$0, 6 miles
2/8-$0
2/9-$0, 6 miles
2/10-$0
2/11-$28 Wegmans, $70 Target, 1.5 miles
2/12-$22 Great Clips, $7.25 Wegmans, $25 Genuardis, $1 Borders, $6 Auntie Annes, $9.50 Chinese Food, $1.50 Sears
2/13-$0
2/14-$0
2/15-$50 deposit for DS's 5th b-day party, $27.50 Target, $18 Wegmans, $10 Five Below
2/16-$0, 6 miles
2/17-$0
2/18-$0
2/19-$22 panera, $24 target, $10 wegmans, $18 mall; $37 LLBean
2/20-$8.50 Genuardis, $24 Chinese Food, $8 Target
2/21-$6 McD, $9 CVS
2/22-$10 McD, $2 Library, $2.50 CEC
2/23-$0, 2 miles
2/24-$0

 

[3goofyboys]

I'm in again this month!

Welcome new faces, hope you love the thread!

I've shooting for a goal of 12 no-buys for the shorter month. This month both DH and I have birthdays, plus v-day so that ads some extra expenses. Thankfully, we aren't having major birthdays this year so no big parties and we never do anything big for v-day. We are planning on buying a new house in March or April, so we need to do some saving to prep for the extra moving expenses.

Feb 1 I like to start the month with a no buy, but no such luck today. $70 had to register the boys for soccer and swimming, but I found out I had a big credit on my account (yay for found money!) so that took care of half the bill, $60 groceries.


Feb 2 It was errand day today, so $$$! $170 groceries, $40 gas, $25 filed my taxes. Hopefully this will take care of any spending through early next week.


Feb 3 We got caught out unexpectedly at lunch time, so we had to hit Subway. I could have waited, but DH gets very cranky if he isn't fed on schedule ! $15 Subway.

Feb 4 $6 dinner with my parents, $23 gas

Feb 5 woo hoo! Finally a no buy day!


Feb 6

Feb 7 $21 lunch, $40 dinner, $89 paperwork that need to be ordered. I feel terrible that we had lunch AND dinner out today. But, we're in the middle of crazy loan/house stuff and after dealing with that and a preschool board meeting today plus babysitting a friend's little boy, I did not have cooking dinner in me!

Feb 8 Calling it early because the roads are awful and we're staying inside!

Feb 9 It's been a pricey couple of days! $64 moving supplies, $10 Inta Juice

Feb 10 $30 Home Depot-more boxes, $40 gas, $18 medical, $22 driver's license, $33 date night with DH


Feb 11 $14 groceries, $12 car wash

Feb 12

Feb 13

Feb 14 $63 groceries, $4 lunch

Feb 15 $22 a set of vintage photos I really liked, $26 took the boys ice skating...it was a horrible experience (we skate a lot, this was just one bad time) hate that, especially when it wasn't cheap, $40 Home Depot-some fixer upper stuff for the house, $100 cleaning lady, $14 groceries

Feb 17 $40 gas, $77 errand running and lunch with DH, $66 dogs groomed.

Feb 18 $30 Target for cleaning supplies

Feb 19 $30 groceries, $75 shower gift for my brother and his wife, $40 took my MIL out to dinner-this was a big splurge, but she's lonely and bored, so I thought she could use some cheering up.

Feb 20


Feb 21 $65 DH and I both needed gas, ouch! $35 lunch on the way down to the museum.


Feb 22 It's DH's birthday today! So, my MIL took the boys and we went house hunting. We also went out to dinner $60 (the eating out has gotten out of control this month. I'm going to rein it in next month). $13 laundry detergent, $16 bread outlet.

Feb 23 Finally!!!!

Feb 24 Did my big grocery shop today-$178, $12 home improvement stuff, $10 took the boys to a jumpy place, $35 gas.

8/12 no buy days

 

[SunnieRN]

Charming, I'm happy the power came back on and that disaster in the freezer was averted!!

MickeyMomOfThree, I hope for your sake that you do not get snowed in,but at least the girls would have friends there!. I always ended up with extra kids at my house. I usually loved it, but it did make a difference in the grocery budget!