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

Today could have been a 0, but DH makes me breakfast on the weekend, and we were out of breakfast supplies. Some things are more important than 0 days.
Ain't that the truth!

I've been MIA with a busy, busy week. Tuesday was my mom's surgery, which went well, but she is still in hospital, so daily visits are part of the plan. Along with school (2 new kiddos this past week....one high needs with even higher needs mother. :rolleyes1 ) Youngest DD had her first audition for universities on Wednesday, and meetings at school meant not a lot of time for the computer (well, except for Zuma Blitz :rolleyes: )

I have been checking in though, so congrats to everyone who is still with the plan. It doesn't matter if you make your goal, it matters if you try, for the trying IS the success!
 

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) $20
Feb 20: DH topped up the gas....it was "only" 111.9/l at No Frills $34
Feb 21: $0 Calling this one early, since it is a holiday and no stores are open....and I will not buy online, I will not buy online, I will not buy online (if I write it out, maybe it will happen just that way :lmao: )
Feb 22: $20 for weekly parking pass at the hospital. Mom paid the other half.
Feb 23: drugstore $16, groceries $19, gas $40, lunch/snacks at the university music audition $15
Feb 24: $0
Feb 25: $2 tea at the hospital
Feb 26: groceries $60, gas $32 ($3 cheaper than my guess.)

No Buy days this month: 6/10
 
Today was expensive but tomorrow is the annual flower show trip with a friend -- can't wait!

2/1: :cool1:
2/2: :cool1:
2/3: :cool1:
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: :cool1:
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: :cool1: 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: :cool1:
2/17: :cool1: (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: :cool1: (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: :cool1:
2/22: $36 Target (no great Valentine clearance, though), $78 groceries, and ? gas (I've already forgotten!)
2/23: :cool1:
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!
2/25: $58 Walmart, $20 pharmacy, $25 gas, $34 dinner out
2/26: $150 BJ's, $34 haircuts, $20 baby gift, $14 Lands' End (that's 4 shirts though!), $? Lowe's (we took the divide and conquer approach to errands today)

no buy days: 10/11
longest streak: 3
meals out: 3/5
days without dinner out: 1
longest no dinners out streak: 10 :cool1:
 
Running Total: Spent $1637.09
$0 Days:12/10

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
24- $0
25- $0
26- $0


Budget: $1656....99%
Month: 26/28: 93%

No Buy: 12/10: 120%

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...
 

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.
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. :confused3 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 :yay: 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 :yay: 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??? :scared1:
February 25-$0 :yay: Wanted to do something with the kids, but we got a foot and a half of snow, so we stayed in. They had their friends here till early afternoon then after they spent the day playing Just Dance 2. :banana: Tomorrow my DH is going to the hockey game. I am a little jealous, 5th row from the glass. But they are work tickets so it is he and his friend, a co-worker going. I thought I'd take the girls out, maybe dunner and Cosmic bowling. That won't be cheap, but it has been a cheap vacation.
February 26- Expensive day, but fun! DH took me to lunch, he was feeling guilty that he was going to the hockey game tongiht. It was my team (our team) vs the local team. He had 5th row from the ice seats. But they were given to him and told to take a coworker. (Work tickets.) So I couldn't go. :( That was $10. Then I took DD11 and DD9 out this evening. We had dinner, Red Robin, their choice, it was $20.50 and to Cosmic Bowling, it was $25 for 2 games and shoe rental for DD9. DD11 wore my shoes 9a little big on her) and I wore DH's 9a little big one me) but it saved us $3.50! I also got gas, it was $55ish. :scared1:

Money Spent this Month-$

No Buy Days 14/18 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
 
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 /$164 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 / 13
Coupon savings $57.33
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 newspaper)
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
2/25 $25 Groceries
2/26 $0

nunzia - did the thing with the IHOP make you feel a bit odd? Yesterday when I was checking out at the grocery store, a can of soup would not scan. After several tries, the cashier said, "I guess God meant for that to be free." and put it into my bag. I am grateful for a freebie but did feel strange.

Yes!! Especially since the manager, asst manager and like 3 other people were standing around staring at the register... Plus, the manager couldn't over-ride it and do anything manually..I used to be in restaurant management, so this kind of surprised me..very odd..but since the system wouldn't recognize the ticket, then the days sales wouldn't be off either..there would be no open/unpaid tickets showing....
 
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- $15.00 groceries(great deals! Milk $1.87 a gallon) Gas $20 (figured I may as well get more since it's going nowhere but up and the same gas I pais $3.08 for 2 day is now $3.13) Dinner out with friends, $19.00
25-$ 11.48 Clearanced Valentine stuff for next year and movie rental, went out to lunch with a friend but IHOP had some issue with my ticket where it said I didn't owe anything nd no matter what they did they couldn't get the computer to accept it or over-ride it, so got that for free..very odd.
26- $22.00 for groceries, $20 for nephew birthday (surprise! we are having John's bday party tomorrow...argh..)
27-
28-

11/12
 
1: $20.89 gas ($2.86/gallon)
2: $0!
3: $0!
4: $0!
5: $138.70 Walgreens, Rite Aid, CVS, SaveALot, Rouses, Winn-Dixie, Wendy's
6: $0!
7: $0!
8: $0!
9: $0!
10: $0!
11: $0!
12: $0!
13: $0!
14: $109.19 Walgreens, CVS, Exxon ($2.85/g), Rouses, RiteAid, iTunes, Work
15: $0!
16: $0!
17: $0!
18: $7.20 Winn-Dixie and a snoball (like a snow cone...yes, in February!!)
19: $0!
20: $96.69 Family Dollar, Walgreens, Winn-Dixie
21: $28.91 Banfield, Cane's
22: $0!
23: $0!
24: $0!
25: $0!
26: $66.65 Winn-Dixie, Arby's, gift, and Shell (3.05/g)

$0 Days: 19
Spending: $468.23/$475= 99%
Days Passed: 26/28: 93%

Goal: To keep spending to within $475 for food, gas, and miscellaneous. I do not track bills; I only track "point of sale" transactions.

I went at 8am to the gas station and supermarket. That is actually a good time to go grocery shopping! :rotfl: And the gas station was not crowded, either! We went out to Arby's for dinner because we could park, eat, and use the bathroom there before the parade started! I didn't catch much last night - it was quite crowded - but I had a good time!

This float was in the parade last night. It was the Krewe of Caesar and their theme this year was "When I Grow Up". All the floats tied in to this theme, both in the float itself and the costumes the riders wore. The last float made me think of this thread. It was "Millionaire". :lmao:



There are some more photos from last night if you are interested. Just click on the picture.

party: So many people are making their goals! Congratulations!
 
Running Total: Spent $1677.50...Over Budget, but sometimes you can't help it when there are too good of deals...I have to run over to the Outlet to pick up some bras, good sale going on B1G1 50% off and a coupon for $15 off $75 and I desperately need some new ones...I have been putting it off for too long trying to save money and now is the time!
$0 Days:12/10

Groceries ($252-$9/day)- $242.46
Eating Out ($196-$7/day)- $166.70
Misc. (Shopping/Entertainment) ($1008-$36/day) $1060.34
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
24- $0
25- $0
26- $0
27- $2 (Dollar Tree- Shopping Newspapers), $13.49 (Meijer-Needed Ink, but just but Magenta, need more next month), $24.92 (Walgreens-Groceries..but got back $56!! So made over $31 :goodvibes and saved over $75 just with my coupons!) Awesome week to be at Walgreens if one is near you!)


Budget: $1656....101%
Month: 27/28: 96%

No Buy: 12/10: 120%

My savings from coupons and sales: $902.04

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...
 
We didn't have DH's daughter this weekend, so we went out salsa dancing last night. It was fun!

No Buy Days : 18/16 Not setting a new goal. Will just take whatever extra no-buy days I can get.
Gas : 102$ (let's try 100$)
Groceries : 119$ (250$ max)
Eating out (and snacks) : 42$ (100$ max)
Non-necessities : 633$ (200$)

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)
21/02 : 0$
22/02 : 0$
23/02 : 0$

24/02 : 11$ (take-out)
25/02 : 0$
26/02 : 25$ (salsa club)
 
The February budget is $850 with 12 no spend days.

Auto $70 / $40 left
Eating Out/Entertainment $85 / $49 over
Giving $10 / $11 over
Groceries/Household Goods $250 /$124 left
Medical $25 / $8 over
Misc. $75 / $10 over
Set bills $335 / $14 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 / 13
Coupon savings $61.33
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 newspaper)
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
2/25 $25 Groceries
2/26 $0
2/27 $30 Set bills (church); $40 Groceries (made steak dinner with all the trimmings for my brother's birthday and had large group 'cause my extended family always willing to come eat steak.); $11 Giving (donation to nieces school fund raiser)
 
Week 4
2/21 – $0!
2/22 - 4 new tires for our SUV $416, airfare for May 2011 Disney Trip $539, Tax Preparation $150, CVS <$1 OOP
2/23 – Eating out $3, $8 groceries
2/24 – Groceries $31
2/25 – eating out $1.10, eating out $5.30 (DH), misc $20
2/26 - $0!
2/27 - $0!

No buy days - Feb 2, Feb 21, Feb 26, Feb 27
 
Saw the Kings Speech today (for free of course!). It was really good. Tough call at the Oscars tonight. We spent money on some snacks there, and also got a paper and some pop at Publix.

Running Total: Spent $932
$1225 budget... $293 left
$0 Days: 8Goal is 8 or more!
coupon/sale savings : 107

Groceries budget- $250-25-14-45-31-7-19-16-11-26-4= 52 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)
Feb. 25 : 26 (Publix)
Feb. 26: 0
Feb. 27: 16 ( Movie snacks 11, pop& paper 5)
 
So, goals for this pay period, Feb. 25 until March 11:

No buy goal: 7
Groceries: $200
Meds/appts: $180
Savings: $100, already transferred from today's check.
Cash: $100
Leftover funds from February trx to savings: $614

Feb. 25: groceries $92, coupon savings $18.42. Pretty well stocked for the pay period, will only need fresh veggies and fruit. Have potluck dinner made and chilli about done!
Feb. 26: going to bed as I work tonight so $0!
Feb 27: Just got up, cooking for potluck $0! Tomorrow is a Dr. appt. If that is my only spending it will be a $0 day, but anything else I will add.

$0 days: 2/7!:goodvibes

Sorry, I am behind, but will try to catch up tomorrow as I don't work. For anyone who made their goals, congratulations!!:banana:
 
1: $20.89 gas ($2.86/gallon)
2: $0!
3: $0!
4: $0!
5: $138.70 Walgreens, Rite Aid, CVS, SaveALot, Rouses, Winn-Dixie, Wendy's
6: $0!
7: $0!
8: $0!
9: $0!
10: $0!
11: $0!
12: $0!
13: $0!
14: $109.19 Walgreens, CVS, Exxon ($2.85/g), Rouses, RiteAid, iTunes, Work
15: $0!
16: $0!
17: $0!
18: $7.20 Winn-Dixie and a snoball (like a snow cone...yes, in February!!)
19: $0!
20: $96.69 Family Dollar, Walgreens, Winn-Dixie
21: $28.91 Banfield, Cane's
22: $0!
23: $0!
24: $0!
25: $0!
26: $66.65 Winn-Dixie, Arby's, gift, and Shell (3.05/g)
27: $0!

$0 Days: 20
Spending: $468.23/$475= 99%
Days Passed: 27/28: 96%

Goal: To keep spending to within $475 for food, gas, and miscellaneous. I do not track bills; I only track "point of sale" transactions.

I went to another Mardi Gras parade today, but I brought a sandwich to eat before the parade started, so I had another $0 Day! I am hoping that tomorrow will be a $0 Day also, because I just did all the math for February. :rotfl:

This float was in the parade last night. It was the Krewe of Caesar and their theme this year was "When I Grow Up". All the floats tied in to this theme, both in the float itself and the costumes the riders wore. The last float made me think of this thread. It was "Millionaire". :lmao:



There are some more photos from last night if you are interested. Just click on the picture.

party: So many people are making their goals! Congratulations!
 
We went out to dinner tonight but had a giftcard so our out of pocket cost was minimal.

February Budget-
Groceries/Household- $300/-$14.51 left
Car/Gas- $50/$17.39 left
Eating Out- $50/$2.25 left
Misc/Entertainment- $100/$28.07 left

Total-$500/$28.26 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- $0
2/26- $0
2/27- $25 eating out but used a $15 giftcard.
2/28

16/14 No Buy Days

Coupon and Store Savings- $113.69
 
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.
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. :confused3 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 :yay: 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 :yay: 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??? :scared1:
February 25-$0 :yay: Wanted to do something with the kids, but we got a foot and a half of snow, so we stayed in. They had their friends here till early afternoon then after they spent the day playing Just Dance 2. :banana: Tomorrow my DH is going to the hockey game. I am a little jealous, 5th row from the glass. But they are work tickets so it is he and his friend, a co-worker going. I thought I'd take the girls out, maybe dunner and Cosmic bowling. That won't be cheap, but it has been a cheap vacation.
February 26- Expensive day, but fun! DH took me to lunch, he was feeling guilty that he was going to the hockey game tongiht. It was my team (our team) vs the local team. He had 5th row from the ice seats. But they were given to him and told to take a coworker. (Work tickets.) So I couldn't go. :( That was $10. Then I took DD11 and DD9 out this evening. We had dinner, Red Robin, their choice, it was $20.50 and to Cosmic Bowling, it was $25 for 2 games and shoe rental for DD9. DD11 wore my shoes 9a little big on her) and I wore DH's 9a little big one me) but it saved us $3.50! I also got gas, it was $55ish. :scared1:
February 27- Went to Chuck E Cheese again. (Dh's best friend is going through a divorce. He is lonely and we adore his kids. They call us aunt and uncle, we don't have any nieces/nephews so we love that. So we have been doing a lot of things with them. I could have gone for free, but with going with them, we didn't.) DH also went and with his diet can't have pizza so a salad was extra, $25. Then we went and got groceries at Sam's. This was a little higer cause we got DH the Atkins "candy" bars for when you need something sweet. $117. Finally, he and I went out to dinner. :love: We had a GC but turned out to be rea;;y cheap. The meals took FOREVER but we didn't complain. Then the manager came and appologized for that. We were nice, said no problem. So he comped our appetizer (I had a free coupon, but we saved it for another time.) Then my steak came and it was shoe leather, I ordered it med-well and she confirmed, some pink inside. It was so bad I couldn't hardly cut it. Unfortunatly by the time she came back DH was totally done eating. He came back to say sorry I again said it was fine, things happen. He offered us free dessert, we declined. Then he said he was comping my whole meal. That was unnecessary but nice. Really all that bothered me was that she igored us (the waitress.) Had she come over and said, like the manager did, that there wa a mistake we'd say no big deal, but to just not come around was odd. The for her to never come and see how our food was till she was bringing the bill, that wasn't so good. We go there (way too) often ad have ever had an experience like this so really it was NBD, but the comped food was nice. Could have easily been a no spend day, but today our friend needed us and he and his kids are more important then a no spend day.

Money Spent this Month-$

No Buy Days 14/18 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
 
I'm so proud of everyone! We all did so well with our budgets and no-buy days!!!! :yay:

15/14 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
2/25-$80 wegmans, $38.50 target
2/26-$0
2/27-$0
 
Running Total: Spent $1825.70
$0 Days:12/10

Groceries ($252-$9/day)- $246.46
Eating Out ($196-$7/day)- $189.16
Misc. (Shopping/Entertainment) ($1008-$36/day) $1158.08
Gas $200?- $25 (2/3), $48 (2/6), $28 (2/8), $30 (2/14), $45 (2/20), $32 (2/22), $24 (2/27) When we were out running around gas was kinda low at $3.48 :scared1: so we filled up the car that usually costs $50 to fill = $232

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
24- $0
25- $0
26- $0
27- $2 (Dollar Tree- Shopping Newspapers), $13.49 (Meijer-Needed Ink, but just but Magenta, need more next month), $24.92 (Walgreens-Groceries..but got back $56!! So made over $31 :goodvibes and saved over $75 just with my coupons!) Awesome week to be at Walgreens if one is near you!)
Afternoon: Outlet $67.12 (Lane Bryant-4 new bras, saved $40), $10.82 (Crocs-But black heels saved $30), $8 (Home Depot-needed a full spectrum light for my growing seedlings for my container garden this year and a good sprayer), $3.56 (Lowe's-Wormie Water sensors-they are super cute! :rotfl:), $14 (Portillo's-Eating Out), Cute girls in girl scout cookie costumes selling cookies out in the cold $4 (Girl Scout Cookies-Groceries), Had a fun night of just buying stuff to buy stuff, let's see what the damage is... $8.24 (Mitsuwa Marketplace-Shopping), $8.46 (Gabutto Burger-Eating Out)



Budget: $1656....110%
Month: 27/28: 96%

No Buy: 12/10: 120%

My savings from coupons and sales: $1021.12

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...
 

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) $20
Feb 20: DH topped up the gas....it was "only" 111.9/l at No Frills $34
Feb 21: $0 Calling this one early, since it is a holiday and no stores are open....and I will not buy online, I will not buy online, I will not buy online (if I write it out, maybe it will happen just that way :lmao: )
Feb 22: $20 for weekly parking pass at the hospital. Mom paid the other half.
Feb 23: drugstore $16, groceries $19, gas $40, lunch/snacks at the university music audition $15
Feb 24: $0
Feb 25: $2 tea at the hospital
Feb 26: groceries $60, gas $32 ($3 cheaper than my guess.)
Feb 27: $0

No Buy days this month: 7/10
 














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