January No Buy: Let's Start the Year Right!

[A.Mickey]

Running Total: Spent $94.95
$0 Days:2/10

Groceries ($100-$3.22/day)- $38.99
Eating Out ($200-$6.45/day)-$10.42
Misc. (Shopping/Entertainment) ($500-$16/day) $45.54


Decided to start a weekly budget, maybe this way I won't get too discouraged

WEEK 1:
Eating Out- $41.18 left
Misc.- $82.46 left

WEEK 2:
Groceries- $9.31 left
Eating Out- $45.15
Misc.- $112


WEEK 1 BEGIN:
1- $3.98 (Artscow.com-Misc.), $2 (Dollar Tree-Papers), $38.99 (Ultra Foods-Groceries-most I have spent on one grocery trip in a long long time, but got lots of stuff we eat at stock up prices!), $9.56 (Target-Clearance stuff for next years stocking and son's bday present), $30 (Walmart-balance after giftcard for 2 TB hd), $10.42 (Ikea- Eating Out kids eat free and only bought one pop-it's a start for this family)
2- $0
3- $0
4- McDonald's, Joe Caputo, Dominick's
5- Walgreens, CVS
6- No Buy?
7- No Buy?
8-
WEEK 2 BEGIN:


Budget: $800....12%
Month: 2/31: 10%
No Buy: 2/10: 20%

My savings from coupons and sales: $234.00

 

[rnorwo1]

Hmnnn... so I may need to rethink the destashing, use it up, organize your house, and cook all meals at home challenges I've joined also? Seriously, some of those purchases today were to help with all these other projects I'm working on also. It really isn't a good sign that I'm cracking on the 3rd day though.

Also, sometimes we spend money to save money. I spent a lot today, because I needed a bunch of stuff and there were so many buy one get one free items at Walgreens. Spending a lot today might help me stay under the budget later this month..

That's EXACTLY what I kept telling myself, all day today That reminds me though, while I was in Macy's my sister called and said that she was at Walmart where they had a ton of Legos on clearance for 50-60% off and would I want her to pick some up for me? Well, how could I resist "saving" in two stores at once? Yep, she helped me save to the tune of about $80 on Legos. And I didn't hesitate at all because I was allowed to buy today!
(And of course I'd love to talk about cracker jack obsessions, it may make me feel better)

For me, this isn't really about my budget. I just like to keep track of my extra cash and spend as little as possible on stuff that really doesn't matter in my life. I used to cave at every little thing on sale (I still do at Target's after holiday sales) but I've gotten better. I don't have debt at all, not even a mortgage or car payments, but I do get that's why many people do the no-buy. I have been mostly doing a no-buy my whole adult life, as I grew up poor, put myself through college, had to graduate early b/c I ran out of $, etc. Saving money is just part of who I am, I guess. I actually don't really have a budget, per see, other than to save, save, save. We have some big goals this year, so I'm trying to help those along. My DH is completely on-board; he has been transformed years ago.

You are actually very similar to me (congrats btw on all your accomplishments!). We only have our mortgage debt and we're on track to paying that off way early, but I'm not comfortable with what we have saved for retirement, we still haven't funded 529s, and I want to travel more now, when we know we can enjoy it. DH and I are both natural savers, and we live a relatively frugal lifestyle for the most part (I think), but obviously it is just bleeding out more than it should.

It's funny (read "pathetic") that I normally would have never made many of those purchases today, but I think the thought "YOU CANNOT BUY" had this amazing psychological effect on me and "binge" is the perfect word with what I did in response. I am the same way with food... I eat relatively healthy most of the time and don't really need to "diet", but every now and then I'll try to limit myself purposely for some crazy scheme or another, and I'll go crazy with ridiculous cravings that I never have usually and end up gaining weight!

rnorwo1- My thoughts are this will change over time if you write it all down. No buy or not, when you see these little insignifcant things start to add up you will stop. At least I did. Yes, I still, a year later, try to combine things, but most of those little things go away. And like I said before, that is saving too cause it's less gas and less temptation.

Thanks all so much for the encouragement. I'll keep going. I've been a lurker for years but just started posting recently thinking it may bring me some accountability (since obviously I have absolutely no internal willpower.) I'll start writing everything down and see how it goes... of course I'll have to wait for a buy-day to get a really cute notebook or something that'll encourage me to record things in, right ?

 

[mjmartin01]

I am joining!!! I really need to put myself on a budget this year... My goal for January is to have 15 no spend days...hope I can do this

1/1 spent $0
1/2 spent $0
1/3 spent $18
1/4 spent $130 on groceries
1/5
1/6
1/7

 

[QVCshopper]

but I'm not comfortable with what we have saved for retirement, we still haven't funded 529s, and I want to travel more now, when we know we can enjoy it.

FYI with the 529s, I have a credit card that gives me 2% back on all purchases into a 529 plan for my kids at Fidelity. We also put in a set amount into each of their 529s; this comes right out of the bank account every month.

For the retirement, try to fund your 401ks up to the company match (if you have one), invest up to the $5K max into a Roth IRA, and put any leftover in the 401k. My DH put the max into his 401k last year, I'm now saving 1/2 of my pay (but I'm only part-time), and we funded our Roths. We probably save too much, to be honest. But I'm doing the no-buy b/c we may move to a better school district/more expensive house, among other things.

Anyway, I used to work at one of the big mutual fund companies, so if you have any questions, I can try to help *but I'm not licensed*.

 

[superme80]

About to head to bed...and No Buy Day 2!!!!!!! I know my husband got a drink at AMPM, but I did make his breakfast, lunch, and dinner! I have an appointment tomorrow, so I am pretty sure I will need to go to lunch or get some sort of beverage afterward.

 

[mickeyschickie]

I'm the one trying NoBuy M/W/F...so this is my first official day so far...but I did pack my breakfast and my lunch!
1/1-$0
1/2-$0
1/3-$0
1/4- today is a buy day...going grocery shopping,but have planned it out and have coupons and cellfire ready

Having fun challenging myself with this!

 

[julirina]

So my January goal is 15 no-spend days and 15 no-drive days.

No-Buy
1/1 - $29.26 ($28.20 Walmart - stupid recessed lightbulbs! $3/each!; $1.06 McDonalds (the Bump needed a parfait)
1/2 - $0
1/3 - $0

No-Drive
2/3

Not sure yet what today will bring. Tuesday is typically an errand day in conjunction with our homeschool co-op, but we're still on holiday break and don't start up again till next week. I thought I could just hang out at home and keep it a no-buy/no-drive day, but I think I might need to run out for a few things.

I won't be doing much grocery shopping, though -- my fridge is on the blink! Right now it's defrosting and everything from the fridge and freezer is sitting in coolers in the basement. I really hope it's an easy fix -- of course it's just out of warranty.

 

[Beezle2]

I'll join in too We are saving to go to Disney next December so I really need to be serious. My goals are no eating out, a $150 food budget since our house is really stocked up and we will just need milk and fresh produce. Also no spending outside of bills this month.

I have been on a no clothes buying for a year challenge and have done fairly well, I did buy a few outfits for each person at Christmas and couldn't resist a Lands End clearance on shorts for my 9 yr old. I bought her 7 pairs of shorts for $3 each and now I am sure she will have plenty of clothes until next Fall.

Good Luck everyone!

1/1 $0
1/2 $0
1/3 $0
1/4 $43 from grocery budget $107 left. 2 gals milk, eggs, strawberries, blackberries,pears,apples,cherries,mushrooms,avacados,coleslaw,tomatoes,
soup,diet coke,pancake mix. Almost perfect, lol

No buy days are easy when I stay home! I have to get milk and produce either today or tomorrow and my challenge there will be sticking to the milk and produce! I really don't need anything else (and repeat)

 

[rnorwo1]

FYI with the 529s, I have a credit card that gives me 2% back on all purchases into a 529 plan for my kids at Fidelity. We also put in a set amount into each of their 529s; this comes right out of the bank account every month.

For the retirement, try to fund your 401ks up to the company match (if you have one), invest up to the $5K max into a Roth IRA, and put any leftover in the 401k. My DH put the max into his 401k last year, I'm now saving 1/2 of my pay (but I'm only part-time), and we funded our Roths. We probably save too much, to be honest. But I'm doing the no-buy b/c we may move to a better school district/more expensive house, among other things.

Anyway, I used to work at one of the big mutual fund companies, so if you have any questions, I can try to help *but I'm not licensed*.

We meet the match on the 401k but haven't done Roths yet... I've done lots of research but still haven't made that step to open them. I'm committed to doing that and the 529s no later than March this year. Thanks for the tips, I'll start looking at rewards for 529s, didn't know they existed!

Regarding no-buying, I'll be darned if I don't have to go back to the store today for a few things that I forgot yesterday in my spree!! But I'm not freaking out now, I'll stick to the 3 things I forgot. I rushed out of the house today and forgot my lunch but turned around and grabbed a can of soup... beats the $10 on a sandwich or salad I would have grabbed.

 

[fairyprincess1]

I am a little behind but the good news is that I already have 2 No Buy days under my belt I am going to try for 14 No Buy days...

Here is what I got...

Jan 1 $0
Jan 2 $0
Jan 3 spend - lunch, groceries, and a small CVS run

2/14 no buy days

 

[lillygator]

I guess I am still trying to come up with my "goals", I would love to have a month of no eating out but afraid I am setting myself up for failure with that one - although I am on day 2 bringing my lunch. I would like 10 $0 days (have 2 so far, so doable I think), $100 a week on groceries (we have lots of meat in freezer, so another doable), $200 gas - 2 SUV's, $100 for any extras. DH already spends very little and he's on board for saving all the way.

January 2011
1/1 $0
1/2 $97.37 groceries
1/3 $0

2/10
$97.37/$400

I have to say, writing everything down really is a great tool. I had no clue where all our money was going. I never carry cash and just use my debit for every thing.

 

[nunzia]

Jan. 1: $33.00 Walmart (groceries and 75% off Christmas)
Jan. 2: $80.00 (2 shelving units from Lowes. 1 was a facebook deal..79 down to 43)
Jan. 3: $0
Jan. 4:
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In response to what others have said..yes, I do also find myself planning for "spend" days, but, for me, part of the deal is to be mindful at what I'm spending and if it's really needed or impulse. I think it just helps to put off purchases, then you tend to realize you really don't need to rent that movie buy that coffee, etc.

 

[MickeyMomOfThree]

I was thinking about the PP who posted about spending days being a free for all and I had an idea. What if you not only recorded no spend day but under a set amount days, maybe $10 or $20? That way if you did need something on a certian day it would still keep you in line for that day. You could shoot for 8 No Spend and 8 Under $X days or something, just a thought. Maybe I'll try it.

 

[tinkarooni]

I personally don't set a goal of no-buy days.

1. My goal for January is $400. in groceries.
2. No clothing purchases except, need one outfit for DS for a christening we are attending. (Khaki pants, brown shoes should suffice)
3. Gas $100.00
4. My Allowance $100. for all extras.
5. No eating out this month unless it is utilizing a gift card we received as gifts.

We are a family of four, DH, me, DS12, DD10, one dog, two cats and 12 chickens.

Jan 1 $0.00
Jan 2 $47.27 Groceries / $352.73 remaining
$24.00 Gas / $76 remaining
$27.91 Pet smart dog food
$50.34 Target (I bought quicken...I consider that an investment) :teacher
Jan 3 $0.00 No buy
Jan 4 $0.00 No buy.

I was going to the bank today to make a deposit but I asked DH to go instead. That way I am not tempted to stop by the store. I telecommute to my job from home so this way I can stay home and stay out of the stores.

I see a couple more no buy days this week for me.....

 

[Leigh Bacon]

We are in for this month, but I have to say it really is hard not to spend something each day! We are going to shoot low, say 8 days this month, but I am writing EVERYTHING down (and it stinks b/c I realized that I do all the spending!) Good luck everyone!

 

[julirina]

I was thinking about the PP who posted about spending days being a free for all and I had an idea. What if you not only recorded no spend day but under a set amount days, maybe $10 or $20? That way if you did need something on a certian day it would still keep you in line for that day. You could shoot for 8 No Spend and 8 Under $X days or something, just a thought. Maybe I'll try it.

I think that is a fabulous idea!

 

[Mom21]

I had a bad, bad day on Sunday

newpapers $2.92-coupons though made up for it
gas $52.01 on empty
Amazon 59.80 (I found a good deal on an above ground garden I have been wanting)
Wlagreens $119.01 ($85.47 of that was for meds AFTER insurance--sigh-getting old is expensive)
Lowes for acetone and house misc $13.42

Grand Total $247.16

So far the month:
Jan 1 $54.28
Jan 2 $247.16
Jan 3 $0--

Today is a trip to grocery again. Will post that when I get back. This is hard but I need to get better.

 

[Anastasia]

We are in for this month, but I have to say it really is hard not to spend something each day! We are going to shoot low, say 8 days this month, but I am writing EVERYTHING down (and it stinks b/c I realized that I do all the spending!) Good luck everyone!

I realized the same thing too!! I am the one doing the spending! I am not going to shoot for a set number of no buy days, but work on staying within the budget that I created for myself.

Count me in and thank you all for all of the inspiration! I am good with money in the "big picture", but I really need to reign in all of the little expenses. I am excited about getting a hold of my spending, and I am happy to have all of your company.

 

[Tiggerish]

I think I have set a new personal "best", I am already over budget in a category in only 4 days. My dentist raised the price for cleaning by $15 which put me over budget. On a more postive note, after spending over $8000 on dental last year, all I needed was the cleaning.

The January budget is $1200 with 12 no spend days.

Auto $70
Eating Out/Entertainment $50
Giving $10
Groceries/Household Goods $200/ $187 left
Medical $100 / $4 over
Misc. $50/ $21 left
Set bills $420/ $395 left
Semi-Annual Neurology eval in Chicago budget is $300

No spend days goal of 12/ 1

Coupon savings $10
--------------------------------------------------------
1/1 $0 :A good start to the month.
1/2 Set bills $25 (church)
1/3 Groceries $13; Misc. $29 (birthday present for niece)
1/4 Medical $104 (dentist)

 

[MapleGirl]

OK, I'm in! I was always confused by these "No Buy" month threads. I thought you were all not buying anything for an entire month! DH and I have a lot of credit card debt. Although we can pay each card's monthly payment plus a little extra, it still fills me worry and shame that we owe so much money. 40k! Oh, the shame!!! My cloud-goal is to have no credit card debt by January 2013. I need to run the numbers, but my gut is telling me this is not feasible without some major life-style changes that DH and I are not willing to make (sell house, sell car, get additional part-time jobs, etc). So maybe getting it down to 20K is more realistic. I will let you know. For now, we are making progress. We locked our credit cards away in a safe and have not been using them. We've done a couple of balance transfers to get lower interest rates. Now I'm going to start this No Buy club.

Our first month's goal:
10 days.

We didn't buy anything yesterday and we're on track to not buy anything today.

OK, I can tell this is going to hurt!

Running total and daily breakdown in the next post.