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

I'm going to go for 14 No Buys - half the month.

I'm also going to track spending this month:
Groceries: 422/300 - 122 over :scared1:
Car: 34/80 - 46 left
Dining out/Entertainment: 83/100 - 17 left
Gifts/Valentines: 147/100 - 47 over

2/1 - 5 -met friend for coffee
2/2 - 0
2/3 - 0
2/4 - 97+9 - Target and Taco Bell
2/5 - 55+66+8 - Sale meat at Grocery store, Flowers for BFF and Quiznos
2/6 - 0
2/7 - 0 (if I call it now then I can't spend, right?)
2/8 - 0
2/9 - 50+60 (baby present and Tangled preorder and dinner out with soon to give birth friend)
2/10 - 0 (got Cash from the ATM but didn't spend it so I figure it counts as "No Buy")
2/11 - 30+7 (birthday present for Mom)
2/12 - 139 (Totally unnecessary groceries at Target. But I couldn't pass up the sale prices of their "bulk" items.)
2/13 - 0
2/14 - 2 (Missed a No Buy by 2 freaking dollars. Library fine and a bit over a GC at Starbucks).
2/15 - 0
2/16 - SURGERY -0
2/17 -0
2/18 - 0 (Happy that I managed to ward off the online shopping bug)
2/19 - 0
2/20 - 0
2/21
2/22
2/23
2/24
2/25
2/26
2/27
2/28

13/14 No Buy Days!
 
I'm back on board. Feb should be a money maker for me. I make/sell Valentine's Day candy. I'm readjusting my goals from last month

Auto 120.00/$240.00
Groceries/Household Goods $135.00 /$150.00[/COLOR]
(dropped this one because I stocked up on meats,storage and spices last month.)
Eating Out/Entertainment $33.00/$100.00[/COLOR]
(I raised this one because we are taking DD out to dinner after her theater performance).
Misc. $191.00/$125.00:sad2:
(also raised this to allow for DD's performance flowers)
Money Made $73.00 Also ordered several things I bartered for on top of $$

No spend days goal is 10/12
(raised this one as well because I did so well last month. Had 17 out of 10
Coupon savings. $94.00
Gift Card savings $228.00

January coupon savings $360.00
no buy days 17/10

02/01 -0-:cheer2: Snowing AGAIN. stayed in and prepared and froze all the chicken breast I bought on Friday. Tomorrow I'll do all the ground beef. For $90 I got 11 different chicken dinners and will have at least 18 meals from the beef.
02/02 -0-:cheer2:Calling it for the day. Not leaving the house again. We're still getting storms. Today is ice and sleet :eek
02/03 -0-:cheer2:Made it into work today..But, still a no spend day. I cooked so much over the past 2 days that I have tons of food to eat. Plus, there was no time to spend money. Today starts my DD's theater productions for the weekend.
02/04 $68.00, $50 gas $18 at Costco's for 2 dz. Roses. These are for 2 of my DD's performances.
02/05-0-:cheer2:
02/06 $11.00 $8.00 at D&D's after church, $3.00 gal. of milk. And we went to Olive Garden for dinner tonight after my DD's last performance. Bill came to $78.00 but paid -0-. We had a gc we forgot about. . The only reason we spent so little this weekend was we just didn't have time to do anything. DD had 5 theater performances in 4 days. We're all exhausted. She did such an amazing job. But, sure am glad it's over.
02/07 -0-:cheer2:
02/08 More snow today Spent $54.00 at Super Walmart on groceries. I saved $22. in coupons I take my DBFF to do her grocery shopping. Today was her monthly BIG trip. This was our first trip to SWalmart (other than the ones in FLA). It isn't close. But, so worth it. Now that we are shopping together I am trying to teach her how to coupon. I think she's slowly getting it. We also went out to lunch. Paid -0- she and one of her friends that came with us bought my lunch for taking them.
02/09 $18.00 in hospital caf food. There was a family emergency and spent the day and night at the hospital.
02/10 By 6:00am I had already spent $6.00 on juice, bagel, and a fruit cup Hospital caf food is outrageously expensive. I'm back home to shower and to pack up food to bring back up to the hospital.
02/11-0- :cheer2:Not only did my DNiece get out of ICU, but, they discharged her. After receiving 18 units of blood and a 7 hr. surgery to save her life. They discharge her 2 days later. Gotta love the insurance company. But, so glad she's home.
02/12 $94.00 $40.00 Gas. Made the mistake of taking my DH to Walmart with me to drop off an RX. He bought seeds and starter soil. And we got a few other things. All food related. So, I'm listing it all as groceries. Note to self..AGAIN! Leave DH at home when shopping.
02/13 $24.00 Walmart Valentine's and Anniversary cards.(at the price), 1 small box of chocolates for DD. Only bought them just to have the heart box. I can't bring myself to buy specialty chocolates. I had already purchased her V'day things after Christmas 75% off and thoughout the last month 1/2 and held on to them. It doesn't hurt as much that way. Also go milk and produce.
02/14 -0-:cheer2:Happy Valentines Day!! Also our Anniversary. We don't buy gifts for each other. Just cards.
02/15 -0-:cheer2:Going to dinner tonight for our Anniversary with GC's we got as gifts from DInLaws.
02/16-0-:cheer2:
02/17$7.00 Forgot my lunch had home today. Had to buy it. And milk and funny bones on the way home from work.
Thank you to everyone for the well wishes for my DNiece. She's doing great. So far no reaction to the multiple units of blood.
02/18 $193.00 $30.00 gas (less than my weekly amount due to the fact I really haven't been going anywhere extra)- $149.00 Prom dress for DD looks amazing BTW;)- $14.00 TGIF for dinner. This was the tip. Everything else was covered by either GC or coupons.
02/19 $13.00 groceries, but saved $60.00 in coupons.
02/20 -0- Went to Church and came right home. No stopping anywhere:cool1: DH is starting some of our seeds for the garden today:banana:Seeds were purchased at the end of the season last year.Spring is around the corner!!:love:
 
I've been on a lucky streak winning contests on Facebook. :cool1: Before Christmas I won a Monsters INC tree ornament, then right after I won a Cars Wii game, then this week I won $50 and today I won a personalized Mickey Mouse tote bag. Now, if I could just win one of these big prizes like the trip to Disney. :cloud9:

I will report back later, not a no spend day as DH and I start our bowling league tonight.
 
Starting up today. :)

Su20- $0
Mo21-
Tu22-
We23-
Th24-
Fr25-
Sa26-
Su27-
Mo28-

No buy days = ?/9 :wizard:
 

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 :rotfl:! $15 Subway.

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

Feb 5 :cheer2: woo hoo! Finally a no buy day!


Feb 6 :cheer2:

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 :cheer2: 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 :cheer2:

Feb 13 :cheer2:

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 :cheer2:

7/12 no buy days
 
No Buy Days : 14/16
Gas : 102$ (let's try 100$)
Groceries : 119$ (250$ max)
Eating out (and snacks) : 31$ (100$ max)
Non-necessities : 608$ (200$) Ouch! :scared1:

01/02 : 0$
02/02 : 0$

03/02 : 35$ (gas)
04/02 : 0$
05/02 : 0$
06/02 : 0$
07/02 : 0$

08/02 : 111$ (gas + groceries)
09/02 : 0$
10/02 : 0$

11/02 : 41$ (dinner + clothes)
12/02 : 0$
13/02 : 0$
14/02 : 0$

15/02 : 12$ (scarf, mittens + snack)
16/02 : 0$
17/02 : 0$

18/02 : 622$
19/02 : 0$
20/02 : 39$ (groceries)
 
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!

$0 Days: 13!!
 
ronmel, don't beat yourself up on the glasses. Sometimes we want what we want. MickeyMom- hope you have fun at bowling! Yay bowling.

Very busy weekend, but my nephew loved Universal, and we ended up with front of the line passes for the Harry Potter ride due to a complaint I made in November. Very nice bonus!

I'm not going to try to break out which day I spent which money, I'll just combine it.. Not too bad on the spending.

Running Total: Spent $792
$1225 budget... $433 left
$0 Days: 5
Goal is 8 or more!
coupon/sale savings : 73

Groceries budget- $250-25-14-45-31-7-19= 109 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 : 81 ( Orlando weekend, food , etc.)
 
Hooray! I made another $0.

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. :goodvibes
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 :rotfl: ) Hmmmm. So far, I can't put the finger on DH for spending (but tomorrow is another day....one of his 'shopping days!" :laughing:
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!
Feb. 8: DH's 'shopping day' and it was only $60. That, in itself, is an accomplishment!
Feb. 9: groceries....stocking up $83
Feb 10: gas $43, pharmacy $25
Feb 11: DD's birthday so she went wild with spending-close to $200 that Mommy forked out, but I'm not going to count that since it will come out of a different budget. Just the same, let me say it was well over (say 4 times!) what I would have sent her if she were still in Egypt. OTOH, she was excited to get her birthday wish....an end to the protests...and will likely return shortly, so I spoiled her some. I spent (for the house/family) about $50, including a trip to Tim Horton's for hot chocolate for her "birthday surprise visitor". (another wish that she got)
Feb 12: still stocking up groceries $100
Feb 13: gas $36
Feb 14: DH bought me strawberries for Valentine's Day....that and a St. Patrick's Day card :rotfl: $5
Feb 15: DH's shop $35 gas $39
Feb 16: FINALLY! $0
Feb 17: Had to take DD to Toronto to return to Egypt today, so ended up spending $48 in gas. Went to Costco for my staff 'store' for Cancer Research, and, for me, bought ink cartridges $70 and snack food $8. THEN DH and I went to Denny's. We had entrées gift cards, so spent less than $10 ($6 tip and $3.44 for the meal :thumbsup2 ) Maybe tomorrow.
Feb 18: $0
Feb 19: groceries and McD's biscuits (new here in SW Ontario)
Feb 20: DH topped up the gas....it was "only" 111.9/l at No Frills $34$20
No Buy days this month: 4/10
 
Virgderon, I missed you! And you did great. I am glad you got to see your nephew and that he had a great time. And great with the front of the line passes too.

We had a blast bowling tonight, should have done it years ago, but so glad we decided to.
 
ronmel, don't beat yourself up on the glasses. Sometimes we want what we want.

I'm not beating myself up anymore. :thumbsup2 I think it was just the shock of seeing myself write that big number down on this budget thread.

Good job on scoring those front of the line passes, and on not spending too much during that weekend. :goodvibes
 
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 :yay: 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 :yay: 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 :yay: Was really hoping to be better by today and able to grocery shop. That was not the case. Maybe tomorrow.
February 4-$0 :yay: 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 :yay: 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 :yay: 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 :yay: 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 :yay: 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. :headache:
February 11-$0 :yay:
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 :love: . 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 :yay:
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 :yay: (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. :laughing: 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.

Money Spent this Month-$

No Buy Days 11/18 Number of no buys is up cause I am no longer counting groceries towards no buy, my new for 2011 rule for myself.

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
 
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 :scared1:
2/19 - $76 grocery, $21 family dinner
2/20 - $15 grocery/newspaper, $11 pizza (DH talked me into it) :rolleyes:

Dining out: $168
Transport: $174
Groceries: $226
Other: $244

(Groceries include toiletries, OTC meds, etc.)
 
Running Total: Spent $1566.32
$0 Days:7/10

Groceries ($252-$9/day)- $188.14
Eating Out ($196-$7/day)- $157.33
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) = $176

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)


Budget: $1656....95%
Month: 20/28: 71%

No Buy: 7/10: 70%

My savings from coupons and sales: $681.94

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...
 
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 – 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 - cancelled 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.

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 and I saved $80! :cool1:)

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 – Change in plans today, we’re NOT going to get our taxes done because I have to deal with a tire problem on our (19-month old) van…it looks like the warranty will handle it, whew! But it still means a lot of logistical nightmares. $ TBA.

2/22 – will be going to Liberty Science Center with friends so this will NOT be a no-buy day!

2/23 - planning for no-buy day #5

2/24 - hoping for no-buy day #6

2/25 - ?

2/26 - DS bowling league

2/27 - ?

2/28 - ?

Coupon/Discount savings so far: $385.14!! (If ONLY I could bank that…sigh…)

No-buy days: 4/8
 
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- Blew it already! 25% off clearance at Disney...$116.00 :scared1:, and need gas...and wine....
22-
23-
24-
25-
26-
27-
28-

9/12
 














Save Up to 30% on Rooms at Walt Disney World!

Save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels when you stay 5 consecutive nights or longer in late summer and early fall. Plus, enjoy other savings for shorter stays.This offer is valid for stays most nights from August 1 to October 11, 2025.
CLICK HERE







New Posts







DIS Facebook DIS youtube DIS Instagram DIS Pinterest

Back
Top