No Buy January

[mrsbornkuntry]

Jan 1st-$0

Jan 2nd-$0 , but it was close. I called Verizon to cancel my service and would've had to pay $340 because our contract isn't over yet, but since DH is deployed they said they could suspend my service instead for up to 2 years for free. So if nothing else I'll keep it suspended and cancel it when my contract is up. Because of that I had $340 that I had budgeted for so I figured I would just use it to buy Spanish software for our homeschool, but I resisted and I will shop around and look for it used first.

So $340 into savings today!

 

[hinodis]

January is starting out great! I spent $0 yesterday and today I spent $2.99 on a gallon of milk. I also found out today that I am hired by west! Now I will have even more money to save. Notice I said save not spend!!

 

[Jaclynfett]

I'll be joining you all. I tried the December challenge and it was fun. I'm going to make a list tonight for myself and then try to report back daily.

 

[smiller]

1/2 - $2.45 at CVS for dishwasher detergent
1/2 - $26.80 at Jewel for groceries

I almost never go to a "real" supermarket so it was a treat to wander the aisles of the Jewel. There are so many wonderful items! (I must admit. I did buy one item not in the budget - jalapeno cheese dipping sauce for my frozen soft pretzels. Mmm.) I'll be headed to the Aldi on Saturday for the majority of the month's shopping, and, yes, I decided I AM going to wheel my hot pink suitcase over there in the snow. Carrying that many groceries on the bus is SO not fun!

Tonight I made a delicious lemon-dill-butter wild salmon dinner with steamed green beans and a glass of white wine. Yum! I think I have most of my meals planned out for the month. I really hope I can stay under the $80 mark for my month's groceries. I'm going to try to freeze a bunch of stuff so I can have better variety, and not the same meal five times in a row.

I'm so happy to see so many new people here for January! These No Buy threads have REALLY helped me. I hate having to post when I fall off the wagon, but I know if I do everyone understands and is supportive! Thanks for keeping me accountable!

 

[smiller]

One more thing...

Kandeebunny - savings was getting really hard for me to do, too, so last January I decided I would set up an ING account and put in (auto-draft) $10 a week. I never missed the money, but did need to access $200 at one point of the year. And I am very glad it was there when I needed it! If I hadn't saved it in the first place, I'm sure it wouldn't have still been in my account!

If you want to try saving, I'd suggest something like that. Heck, you could even start with just a couple bucks a week. It was easy to set up and I'm continuing it this year! Good luck!

 

[KarenAylwood]

One more thing...

Kandeebunny - savings was getting really hard for me to do, too, so last January I decided I would set up an ING account and put in (auto-draft) $10 a week. I never missed the money, but did need to access $200 at one point of the year. And I am very glad it was there when I needed it! If I hadn't saved it in the first place, I'm sure it wouldn't have still been in my account!

If you want to try saving, I'd suggest something like that. Heck, you could even start with just a couple bucks a week. It was easy to set up and I'm continuing it this year! Good luck!

I second this. I started an ING account and started small, depositing what I could into savings. Then I added a vacation account, Christmas account and Roth IRA account (I take it out weekly and deposit once it gets to $250). I made it to the point where I was putting almost 30% of my takehome pay into savings (not incl the other accounts). I tricked myself- if I didn't have the money, well then I didn't spend it. If my checking account was always low, I wouldn't spend. I can save a little more than most (percentage wise) because I don't have any debt right now, but I forsee a lot in the future (house, kids, new car, DBF's incredible student loan debt (after marriage of course), etc etc) so I'm saving what I can now.

I don't remember who first said it, but one of the best pieces of advice I've ever heard is PAY YOURSELF FIRST!

1/02: I feel like after that motivation I should have a $0 day.
$7.XX for lunch out with coworkers on my very FIRST day in my NEW position!! I'm including it in the out to eat budget.

 

[kandeebunny]

I have an ING and that is where the $$ for my car insurance goes as I save it, if I can't see it I can't spend it. I have a regular savings account with my bank, but it is too easy to touch when temptation comes knocking.

Unfortunatly like I said I need some $$ sitting there in case of emergencies, I have no credit card, so I can't manage to sneak it in to savings until the end of my month.

I want to get a visa for this purpose so I don't have to just have it sitting there earning me no interest, but every offer I get has an annual fee (I have HORRIBLE credit thanks to my soon to be ex-husband!) The only emergencies I use that savings for are emergency vet visits, unexpected car troubles, so I am usually REALLY good about not touching it.

Is there another place like ING that I could have a seperate account for just savings? (Not the car insurance/lawyers bills/divorce fees account, I don't like mixing, it's too easy to think I have more than I do!)

 

[reginaastralis]

About time I get around to posting my budget, if I do say so myself ...

- Can't change -
Rent $365 (I have two roomies, which is how it's so cheap. I am either moving sometime betwee Feb-May, so I am trying to get used to spending $700/month in rent. The "extra" is going into savings so I can pay my deposit)
Car Payment - $400 - I am cose to having this paid off! I am considering paying the rest of it off with my tax return.
Car Insurance - $150
Daycare - $540 - This includes a $20 upcharge they are starting. I am currently looking into a cheaper daycare or possibly having a friend watch my daughter until the School Readiness program has more available funds. I feel like I am only working to send her to school.

My "changeable" budget -
Groceries - $150. I want to get to the 11th w/o buying grociers, but all of the stores are having GREAT sales on things we use a lot of ... and they end the 8th. I might go till the 8th, and then have to only buy milk/bread for the rest of the month.
Electric - $100
Cable - $200
Gas - $160
Household $125 - This includes toiletries and anything else I'll need around the house. I know we'll need shampoo/soap this month .. sigh. I am also thinking about buying one or two things a month that I need for my own apartment. This will come out of this budget.
Jack -$25 - my kitty. I think he has everything he needs this month.
Eating out - $50
Storage hd - $200 ... seriously. I keep saying I am going to finish paying and get my stuff out. I think I really mean it this month. Fingers crossed!
Clothes - $50. All of my clothes are either not fitting or have bit the dust. I believe it's time for new ones.
Entertainment $50
Auto repairs $200, but hey, my car will have new tires and an oil change!
Can you believe I have three birthdays this month. Actually, there are five ... but I had previously gotten my grandmother a card, and I need to get my aunt a card.

Julie's birthday - $80. I bought her cake yesterday for $27. I'll probably buy her another toy ... I'm not sure yet.
Jordyn - My sister I have $20 budgeted, but she doesn't need anything. I am thinking about getting her some books on half.com. She'll be ten, and really LOVES to read.
Amelia's birthday - this is my cousin' daughter. If I hurry, I can buy something for her and sneak it into my mom's package she's mailing and save on shipping. I budgeted $20 for this, but it depends on if I am quick and get it to my mom's on time. Heck, I don't know what she's getting her. So I might have to pay my own shipping. Amelia will be 2.

And that's it ... whew. This month will be as expensive as last month.

1/1 - $0
1/2 - $27 for the cake. $10 for birthday dinner at McDonald's (it was really late, and that's where she asked to go.)

 

[ForTheLoveofDisney]

I second this. I started an ING account and started small, depositing what I could into savings. Then I added a vacation account, Christmas account and Roth IRA account (I take it out weekly and deposit once it gets to $250). I made it to the point where I was putting almost 30% of my takehome pay into savings (not incl the other accounts). I tricked myself- if I didn't have the money, well then I didn't spend it. If my checking account was always low, I wouldn't spend. I can save a little more than most (percentage wise) because I don't have any debt right now, but I forsee a lot in the future (house, kids, new car, DBF's incredible student loan debt (after marriage of course), etc etc) so I'm saving what I can now.

I don't remember who first said it, but one of the best pieces of advice I've ever heard is PAY YOURSELF FIRST!

1/02: I feel like after that motivation I should have a $0 day.
$7.XX for lunch out with coworkers on my very FIRST day in my NEW position!! I'm including it in the out to eat budget.

This is amazing!
Do you know they say the savings rate of households headed by a salaried worker in Japan was 27.5% in 2006. Compared to the US Savings rate of 0.5%. http://my-wealth-builder.blogspot.com/2007/06/japan-nation-of-savers.html You are doing a great job and I should learn a lesson from you!

I was battling with myself this morning about stopping and buying a cup of coffee. "It's only $0.91 cents," I was rationalizing with myself. I didn't do it.

 

[mmfan53226]

I don't remember who first said it, but one of the best pieces of advice I've ever heard is PAY YOURSELF FIRST!

My checking account was getting low and I was thinking of not putting any money in my savings account. But reading this made me think now I have to because eventhough it is getting low, I can still spend the money if it isn't there I won't spend it.

Thanks for posting this and keep up the good work.

Krystine

 

[momx2]

Yesterday was another $0 day. Hoping for another one today.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

1/1 - $0
1/2 - $0
1/3 - $9.62 (Groceries)

 

[Irin997]

Jan 2: $0

Wow, 2 $0 days in a row. I'm feeling good and motivated. All this talk of paying yourself first is a great idea. I think I'll talk to payroll at work and have them take it directly out of my check and deposited into my Emigrant acct.

Today I think I may go really cheap and eat the Cup of Noodles I have sitting in my desk for lunch, although I'm starving. I really don't want to spend money on lunch though. Tonight I'm making dinner so I'll be sure to make enough to take for lunch tomorrow.

I love holidays. Tomorrow is already Friday!

If only I can stay out of store (ehm, Target) this weekend. What else is there to do that is free?

 

[Conway733]

I second this. I started an ING account and started small, depositing what I could into savings. Then I added a vacation account, Christmas account and Roth IRA account (I take it out weekly and deposit once it gets to $250). I made it to the point where I was putting almost 30% of my takehome pay into savings (not incl the other accounts). I tricked myself- if I didn't have the money, well then I didn't spend it. If my checking account was always low, I wouldn't spend. I can save a little more than most (percentage wise) because I don't have any debt right now, but I forsee a lot in the future (house, kids, new car, DBF's incredible student loan debt (after marriage of course), etc etc) so I'm saving what I can now.

I don't remember who first said it, but one of the best pieces of advice I've ever heard is PAY YOURSELF FIRST!

1/02: I feel like after that motivation I should have a $0 day.
$7.XX for lunch out with coworkers on my very FIRST day in my NEW position!! I'm including it in the out to eat budget.

I have an ING account as well, and I love it! I do have a question though, to have the savings, vacation account, and christmas account as a separate account for each? I'm trying to break down my savings into other accounts on ING, but can't figure out how to do it.

 

[brockscandy]

1st - $0
2nd - $0

3rd - I resisted the urge to go out for lunch. My husband couldn't come home and just the thought that he was eating out was almost enough to make me go. But I was strong and am now eating a sandwich in front of the computer. I am taking two of my daughters to the doctor this afternoon, but I don't know if that counts since we have a Health Savings Account and the money will be taken out of there. Other than that $0 so far today.

 

[eeyoresmom]

just checking in...had another great day $0 spent

 

[kandeebunny]

another $0 day here too

 

[KarenAylwood]

Thanks for the encouragement guys!! I need some sort of motivation to keep saving while I watch my friends buy big screen TV's and new bedding Also, kandeebunny- if you've got the ability to start saving for retirement, it makes a huge difference starting young. I'm 25 and since I know I can swing it now, I'm contributing to maximize my match at work (5%) and then maxing out a Roth IRA. Even if it's a small amount, it will make SUCH a difference in the future.

I have an ING account as well, and I love it! I do have a question though, to have the savings, vacation account, and christmas account as a separate account for each? I'm trying to break down my savings into other accounts on ING, but can't figure out how to do it.

In ING, sign in and click on "Open an Account" on the lefthand side of the page and under Orange Savings Account just click on "open now." I know it sounds like you're opening a whole other account but you'll still have your same login info, it will just show up as a list of accounts once you login. I have them all in separate accounts. I even opened an "Unplanned Expenses" account recently so I've got 5 different accounts. This is to help me plan for going salaried. Before when I was working hourly I could work OT if something came up so I didn't have to pull from savings. I won't have this luxury anymore.

1/02: I forgot to post that I spent ~$35 on DBF's bday gift. I also forgot that I need to buy him ONE more thing. It's a leatherbound journal and I don't know how much it will cost... I'm getting that on Saturday. I also need to plan something for us to do on Sunday (his actual bday). I'm sort of at a loss... after 5 bdays I'm starting to run out of ideas

1/03: $10.80 on lunch out w/ coworkers. Someone is retiring tomorrow so our boss is taking everyone out which will be nice. Next week I'll cut down significantly. These were just my first two days.

 

[vegasnative]

The "Pay yourself first" guy is David Bach. He has wrote a few personal finance books. Him and the Money Makeover guy are very popular. I think if you can combine the two and take what works best for you from each book, and stick to it, then you (meaning, us all) would do ok and do better at saving.

My husband was just talking about "paying yourself first" about a week ago. He was dissapointed with how little we saved in 2007. He said we need to treat "it" like a business. I think that is a good idea. Pay yourself first to keep "your" business going...so to speak!

 

[BabyPiglet]

This is daughter account I'm MrsPiglet

This is only the 3rd day of the month and I have fallen off the wagon.

1st DH only spen 12 something at the grocery store.
2nd was a bad day. Spent 147.50 on a propane bill to help an elderly lady that did not have the money. (Ok I don't regret this) Went out to lunch and spent $5. When I got home from work, we had to go out to the library, so we stopped for dinner $28, then stopped at WalMart for cat food.

3rd Spent $6 for lunch (went out with co workers) \

Tomorrow will be better hopefully, but more than likely will go out to lunch.
It is hard not to go out to lunch, we need the break away from the office.