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

[A.Mickey]

Running Total: Spent $558.48
$0 Days:2/10

Groceries ($252-$9/day)- $129.09
Eating Out ($196-$7/day)- $31.54
Misc. (Shopping/Entertainment) ($1008-$36/day) $397.85 $530 Planned left= $81x2 Class Registration, $60 Preschool Registration, $92 Great America, Have $208 left for Ohio Hotel, $14 Metra to see Musical[/COLOR]
Gas $200?- $25 (2/3), $48 (2/6) = $73

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- Eating Out
9- No Buy?
10-
11- No Buy?
12-
WEEK 3 BEGIN:


Budget: $1456....38%
Month: 7/28: 25%
No Buy: 2/10: 20%

My savings from coupons and sales: $350.66

 

[Debbie]

Running behind here at home....seem to be always on the go.

Feb. 1: Groceries $30, summer conference for me....$295 (luckily, I've saved for this and it is not really a part of the budget )
Feb. 2: $0 Snow day!
Feb. 3: $20 at DD's Talent night. $10 for my admission, and $10 for draws. I won a really nice Lavender hand cream/soap/shower gel set from Crabtree and Evelyn.
Feb. 4: gas $45, 2 pair special "loop" scissors for school $7, and a renewal for Scholars Choice which nets me 10% discount, $10 in free goods, AND a huge mug/warmer + notepads $10 (seems like a deal to me ) Hmmmm. So far, I can't put the finger on DH for spending (but tomorrow is another day....one of his 'shopping days!"
Feb. 5: DH shopped in the city in the morning-groceries $45 and I shopped Costco-groceries-$32, tax software-$37 and in our village in the afternoon, another $45 on groceries. After a Church dinner that he worked at, DH brought home buns, snacks, pie etc, so we gained there
Feb. 6: DH bought some gingerale for DD who isn't feeling well $4, so I had him top up the gas $35 since we'd need it tomorrow anyway
Feb. 7: $0 Finally, another one!

No Buy days this month: 2/10

 

[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-
9-
10-
11-
12-
13-
14-
15-
16-
17-
18-
19-
20-
21-
22-
23-
24-
25-
26-
27-
28-

4/12

 

[Jennia]

Feb 1: $15 at Walgreens
Feb 2: $0
Feb 3: $15 on gas and parking in Seattle
Feb 4: $0
Feb 5: $0
Feb 6: $0
Feb 7: $29, Gymboree and Joann's

 

[charming23]

I saved myself some big money this morning. I asked my neighbor about the brake light and he checked under the hood. Turns out all it needed was some brake fluid and I was good to go. He even had brake fluid and did it for me. I love my neighbors.

So I ran out to Drugmart and Walgreen's for a few items. I am doing the big grocery shopping tomorrow.

February Budget-
Groceries/Household- $300/$229.87 left
Car/Gas- $50
Eating Out- $50/$32.60 left
Misc/Entertainment- $100/$74.32 left

Total-$500/$386.79 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
2/10
2/11
2/12
2/13
2/14

5/14 No Buy Days

Coupon and Store Savings- $42.45

 

[thebeesknees]

Still snowing here. DH took the kids to school for me (I don't drive in snow), then took the car to work, so I am here today - no shopping.

2/1 - $0
2/2 - $0
2/3 - $0
2/4 - $0
2/5 - $0
2/6 - $0
2/7 - $22 Dollar Tree, $66 Target, $13 Walmart, $3 McDonald's
2/8 - $0

7 of 12 no-buy days so far.

 

[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!


3/12 no buy days

 

[elcodfish]

I am a huge failure j/k but this "no buy" thing is hard! We spent money everyday this month. I was very proud of myself because yesterday I had to go to Target to pick something up for my sister, I went right for the item, grabbed it and headed for the cash register. No idle shopping!!! Today *should* be a $0 day, so I will probably get a flat tire on the way home

just wanted to tell everyone to keep up the good work!!!

Erica

 

[QVCshopper]

I am a huge failure j/k but this "no buy" thing is hard! We spent money everyday this month. I was very proud of myself because yesterday I had to go to Target to pick something up for my sister, I went right for the item, grabbed it and headed for the cash register. No idle shopping!!! Today *should* be a $0 day, so I will probably get a flat tire on the way home

just wanted to tell everyone to keep up the good work!!!

Erica

It is hard. I've been doing it for a while now and have gotten used to it. I wanted to stop at dunkin donuts today but resisted, so the temptation is always there. The biggest thing that's helped me is to go to the gym instead of shopping. Now, if only I could lose weight...

 

[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 -

Dining out: $58
Transport: $40.50
Groceries: $119
Other: $5

(Groceries include toiletries, OTC meds, etc.)

 

[QVCshopper]

4/14 no-buys
* Used coupon

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

 

[weluvdizne]

1. $43.00 toiletries and medicine
2. 0
3. $28.00 groceries to go with what we already had in the house.
4. $8.00 check order $63.00 printer ink
5. $30.00 lunch out for entire family $2.50 groceries
6. 0
7. $12 lunch (kids were great!) $121 Walmart - I saved $41 in coupons and I still cannot believe how much stuff I got for that money. We got so much stuff. Some we needed, some were such great deals with the coupons. We also picked up a lot of stuff for our trip.
8. 0

no buy days 3/18

 

[SunnieRN]

Hello everyone! I have been gone forever, but with true reasons, not excuses. My son in law ended up getting medically retired from the army. When I moved to TX I bought a house and my daughter, son in law and grandmunchkins live with me.

Well, due to their steep decrease in income, I was footing the bills. They helped when they could, but it wasn't too much or too often. My savings went from $9,00 to $1700. We made it though and had a wonderful trip to WDW and a fantastic Christmas. We also had our share of 'problems' along the way, including two hospitalizations.

Now, my son in law has his income problems worked out and my daughter got a job, working for Apple, from home. Since they are on their feet, I can get back on mine (hopefully!!), So, back to budgeting, no spend days and trying to pay off debt. Since I get paid every two weeks, this is my best guess for the remainder of February. My month so far.

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)

Missed all the inspiration I got from all of you every day!

 

[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!!!

Money Spent this Month-$122

No Buy Days 7/18 Number of no buys is up cause I am no longer counting groceries towards no buy, my new for 2011 rule for myself.



$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
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

 

[MickeyMomOfThree]

Welcome Back SunnyRN, sounds like your son and his family are lucky to have you. Good luck to all of you getting back on your feet and thanks to your son for her service. My DH got out of the Army on a medical discharge about 14 years ago. He had planned on being in for life. He was disapointed at the time but we have managed to do alright and I am sure your son will as well.

 

[SunnieRN]

Welcome Back SunnyRN, sounds like your son and his family are lucky to have you. Good luck to all of you getting back on your feet and thanks to your son for her service. My DH got out of the Army on a medical discharge about 14 years ago. He had planned on being in for life. He was disapointed at the time but we have managed to do alright and I am sure your son will as well.

Thank you so much!! I am blessed to have them, so it is mutual, I think. We get along pretty darn well. It is hard when plans suddenly change. Thank you to your family for serving out country also!! It is hard to have a life plan and see it float away, for sure!

My son in law was in 2 explosions in Iraq and will need to have spinal fusion within a couple of years, but I thank God every day, that he survived! I am so happy that things have worked out for your family!! Anyway, I didn't have to go in more debt during this, so that is a huge plus! Thanks to you for welcoming me back!

 

[thebeesknees]

Welcome back, SunnyRN!

MickeyMomOf3 - sounds like you are feeling a bit better. That's great! Don't wear yourself out too much...the household chores will still be there next week, and the week after that, and the week after that....

 

[MickeyMomOfThree]

Thank you so much!! I am blessed to have them, so it is mutual, I think. We get along pretty darn well. It is hard when plans suddenly change. Thank you to your family for serving out country also!! It is hard to have a life plan and see it float away, for sure!

My son in law was in 2 explosions in Iraq and will need to have spinal fusion within a couple of years, but I thank God every day, that he survived! I am so happy that things have worked out for your family!! Anyway, I didn't have to go in more debt during this, so that is a huge plus! Thanks to you for welcoming me back!

Sorry, I misread as your son, but glad your SIL and the family are doing well, it sounds very scary, I am sure you were of great support to your DD during that time. I wish him all the best with his health, and so glad he is home safe to your family.

Welcome back, SunnyRN!

MickeyMomOf3 - sounds like you are feeling a bit better. That's great! Don't wear yourself out too much...the household chores will still be there next week, and the week after that, and the week after that....

Aww, thanks so much. I really am taking it easy, I can't work for more then 20 minutes or so at a time still, but then I take a break and do a little more. I normally could get this whole place back in order in a day but I am taking my time, don't want to push it, but happy to smell clean in the house again. I am not a neat freak by any means, but this place needs a mother's touch. I am really, really hoping to eat something substancial tonight, I really think I will feel a lot better if I can just get over it in my head and eat.

 

[bigmama67]

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.

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 - Planning for no-buy day #3

2/10 - Monthly Board Meeting at my synagogue so I'll need a Rita's gelato to get through that...lol...also may go to lunch with a friend today (not sure yet).

2/11 – DS buys lunch on Fridays at school, and I’ll be doing a Costco shop so we should be almost set for the month (just need milk and fruit after that)!

2/12 - Circus Science Day at the museum so even though we're members there will be parking and other $$ needed.

2/13 – Planning for no-buy day #4

2/14 - hope for no-buy day #5

2/15 – hope for no-buy day #6

2/16 – hope for no-buy day #7

2/17 – hope for no-buy day #8

2/18 – DS school lunch, groceries

2/19 – DS starts his bowling league

2/20 – going out to dinner, so food and babysitter…

2/21 – DS is off from school all week, I’ll have to keep them occupied…today we’re going to get our taxes done and then to some Presidents’ Day events so we're having lunch out, not sure what else we'll spend.

2/22 - ?

2/23 - ?

2/24 - ?

2/25 - ?

2/26 - DS bowling league

2/27 - ?

2/28 - ?







Coupon/Discount savings so far: $269.07!! (If ONLY I could bank that…sigh…)

No-buy days: 2/8

 

[annsteere]

Spent $20 copay at the doctor and $23 filling the gas tank before driving in the frigid weather.

But, did NOT buy supper at the golden arches or a soda pop on the road. So, no impulse/unnecessary expenses.

That may not be a no buy, but it is a financial victory