No Buy March

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

March 1: $0
March 2: $0
March 3: $0
March 4: $0
March 5: $0
March 6: $ 21.89 gas, $6 library fine (oops)
March 7: $0
March 8: $0
March 9: $0
March 10: $37.73 (CVS) , $175.03 (food shopping)
March 11: $0
March 12: $0
March 13: $0
March 14: $0
March 15: $0
March 16: $26.57 gas, $4.50 lunch
March 17: $60 kid's camp, 101 groceries. (ok, I admit it, I snuck a few flowers into the cart-the yard is SO brown!)
March 18: $0
March 19: $0
March 20: $14.27 bday gift (also bought the DD's books, used a 25$ gc that I got for my bday), and $30.30 on drycleaning.

The drycleaning is for DH, which is about 10 more than normal, I need to keep closer track of how many shirts I bring in, it shouldn't have been that much but I was too tired today to question it. The girls were out of school today so I brought them into work with me and set them up on a computer and they watched Beverly Hills Chihuahua (good disney movie). They're well behaved at work but I'm always a lot more tired when I get home when I have them with me there, I think it's because I worry that they'll be bored, etc. and I have to work harder to concentrate.

This was my third "green" week in a row (vs "in the red"), I've never done that in the 19 weeks I've been keeping track! Before my current "green" streak I had FIVE red weeks in a row . No more of that.

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

I have come to the conclusion that I am not very good at this recording every penny spent thing!

It is easier for me to just check my bank account balances each week, and the current credit card amounts and do some basic addition and subtraction to track how much money I really have.

I start each month tracking, then about the second or third week I am not doing it anymore.

I'm not going to get worked up over it. I know that I'm more aware of my spending habits and they are under control at this point; I'm only spending money on necessities and the occasional "fun stuff" (like tomorrow I'm going to put an order in through my Disney Movie Club account).

 

[paulasillars]

1st - $0
2nd - $0
3rd - $2 for a Cabbage Patch Kid which I will restore and sell (SOLD for $13)
4th - $7 lunch
5th - $7 lunch + $11 for shoes and $4 for a top a the Salvation Army store
6th - $0
7th - $14 for entry to the thermal pools, $2 for a locker, $10 for lunch, $36 for World Vision sponsored child
8th - $4.50 for nail polish remover and $2.50 for a new nail polish, then I went to a school fair and spent $2 for a piece of chocolate gateaux and $1 for a supermarket bag of clothing. Then I spent $8 for 4 "new" tops at the $2 clothing thrift store
9th - $0
10th - $7.50 for lunch
11th - $6 for lunch, $22 for a new 4GB USB flash drive (I lost my one)
12th - $32 for doctors appointment
13th - $43.60 for prescription
14th - $12 for 6 new tops at the $2 clothing thrift + $2 for some shoes for Mum and $7.50 for lunch
15th - $0
16th - $68.50 for a Princesses on Ice ticket in June
17th - $0
18th - $4.90 Disney Ring Watch (from online auction site) & $17.40 for 7 Disney pins
19th - $US4.50 for ebay auction ~ $NZ9
20th - $9 for lunch
21st - $0 but its not even noon yet

I've just done some creative juggling of the household budget, this month we've bought fruit/vege and pet food at the supermarket rather than the green grocers and the specialty pet store so I've moved some of the "grocery" budget money into these categories.

Still doesn't leave much in the way of money in any of these categories and still about 1/3 of the month to go.

We also only have $10 in the eating out budget as we had a work farewell last night which used $40 of the $100 budgeted.

Next Thursday I have a hen party to go to where we are eating out and they have an activity planned. I said I'll go for the meal but not the other events. Its still going to cost about $40 I'm guessing - good job I don't drink alcohol or it would be easily $100 with all the stuff they have planned for the whole evening.

Its a cool, rainy autumn day so I'm going to see what I can list online to sell today to earn some extra cash to pay for our trip next year. I think I mentioned previously that as soon as I have the equivalent of $US100 that I make a payment on the cruise. Little by little we are paying it off and have just over half paid at this point.

 

[smiller]

3/1 - $15.00 Newleaf Natural
3/2 - $0.99 CVS
3/3 - $1.18 CVS
3/4 - $20.69 Newleaf Natural
3/5 - $10.91 Sauganash Grill
3/5 - $9.73 Whole Foods
3/6 - $0
3/7 - $14.61 Wine
3/8 - $1.50 Coke
3/9 - $0
3/10 - $14.19 Green Grocer
3/10 - $12.00 Out with Friends
3/11 - $15.64 Jewel
3/11 - $5.61 Trader Joe's
3/12 - $0
3/13 - $50 Pub Crawl
3/14 - $1.10 McDonald's
3/15 - $0.15 CVS
3/15 - $1.25 Jewel
3/16 - $9.94 Whole Foods
3/17 - $0
3/18 - $15.00 Newleaf Natural
3/19 - $7.81 Housewarming Gift
3/20 - $0
3/21 - $6 Cab
3/22 - $0

Total: $213.30/$265.00

Made an extra $52 last night! So I'm upping the budget (again) this month. We'll see how it goes!

I learned how to make my own mayonnaise today - I'm on a roll with egg salad, tuna macaroni salad, and roasted tomato mayonnaise for sandwiches. I've never been crazy about store-bought mayo so I'm glad I go this figured out!

 

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

March 1: $0
March 2: $0
March 3: $0
March 4: $0
March 5: $0
March 6: $ 21.89 gas, $6 library fine (oops)
March 7: $0
March 8: $0
March 9: $0
March 10: $37.73 (CVS) , $175.03 (food shopping)
March 11: $0
March 12: $0
March 13: $0
March 14: $0
March 15: $0
March 16: $26.57 gas, $4.50 lunch
March 17: $60 kid's camp, 101 groceries. (ok, I admit it, I snuck a few flowers into the cart-the yard is SO brown!)
March 18: $0
March 19: $0
March 20: $14.27 bday gift (also bought the DD's books, used a 25$ gc that I got for my bday), and $30.30 on drycleaning.
March 21: $0
March 22: $0
March 23: $0 (home with a sick kid today)

I sent my DH out food shopping on saturday. No sausage this time. Just a WHOLE TURKEY! . To be fair, I'm *really* good at cooking turkey, so we did yesterday. My DH was like, I feel like there should be football on (a la thanksgiving and christmas).

I need to have an 80k service done on my car, and I discovered yesterday on www.edmunds.com that if you type in your car make, model and year and your zip code, they will tell you EXACTLY what your car needs and the anticipated service cost and parts cost! So I am going to call the dealer today and find out what exactly a 80k service entails and then compare that to what edmunds.com says, and then talk the dealer down.

The last time I went in there I went in armed with a bunch of information (that I found on the internet) that said the stuff that I had repaired under warranty on my car was repaired with the same exact part that was defective in the first place, and I had a $750 repair changed to a $210 repair. Basically all the parts were switched for free and I just paid for labor.

Since I want to keep my car until the spring of 2011 (that will make it 9 years old with 100k plus miles), I'm making sure I take good care of it without letting the dealer rip me off. I go to the dealer because the service department is excellent. It's just the money guys that need to be pinched regularly.

 

[casper_jj11]

$550 groceries $81.5 left
$500 gas $265 left
$350 swim lessons for all 3 kids $330 used, $20 left
$100 playgroup for DD $0 left
$60 playgroup for DS1 $0 left
$200 summer science camp for DS6
$200 summer sports camp for DS6
$160 summer soccer for DS6 $0 left
$15 DS1's first haircut $0 left
$100 DH's bday gift (not sure what yet) $90 left
$150 DS1's 18mo pictures to be taken
$300 easter presents (planning on getting DD and DS6 new bikes this year ... maybe this ought to wait til the snow goes...) "]$84 over and not finished
$150 spending for me (incl. kids clothes ... Gymboree is my weakness)
$150 spending for DH $70 left

Total: $2985 $945.50 left

1- $0
2- $200 swimming lessons for DS6, $9 groceries, $40 DS's medical alert bracelet renewal (not budgeted but not really optional either...)
3 - $160 soccer registration for ds (budgeted)
4 - $50 gas (budgeted)
5 - $40 gas for dh (budgeted)
6 - $8 dinner (take out food at children's hospital)
7 - $134 groceries, $21 groceries, (groceries budgeted)$3 cat food, $30 liquor store
8 - $15 coffee, $10 bday cards for dh
9 - $103 playgroup for dd, $65 swim lessons for DD, $65 swim lessons for DS1 (budgeted); cat food $42 (not budgeted...oops)
10 - DS1's first haircut $20 (my little guy is so cute!)
11 - $0 YEAH
12 - Walmart $4.50 toilet paper and $28 Easter stuff for kiddos
13 - $9 lacteeze for dd, DH spent $25 on beer and $45 on gas
14 - ouch! big spending day... found bikes on sale at TRU so bit the bullet and bought them along with other Easter things ... $295 total. Also $10 on Easter at Dollarama, $60 on gas and $25 for dh haircut. Also $102 groceries.
15 - $0
16 - $1 (Easter... see, I can't just go to TRU to pick up the kids bikes... I have to BUY something)
17 - $0
18 - dentist apptmt today ... at least insurance will repay almost 100% $30 dentist apptmt (amount that ins doesnt pay)- $4 book for DS6
19 - $6 milk, $7 prescription meds for DS1 ear infection
20 - $0
21 - $19 books and toy for Easter; $179 groceries (went over because I bought diapers and stocked up on really great sales); $70 registration for DS for softball this summer (forgot to budget this one)
22 - $0
23 - $40 gas $65 DH's contact lens (not budgeted)

 

[paulasillars]

21st - $0
22nd - $0
23rd - $0
24th - $0



Finally getting somewhere now... hoping to another one tomorrow too!

 

[annsteere]

Just spent 4 days in Tucson and only spent $7 personal money

Enjoyed a desert garden museum that was well worth the 7 bucks out of my "blow money." Other than that, I attended to business and in my limited spare time I enjoyed free things like sitting by the pool and reading a book in the warm weather.

 

[hoffmann2828]

OMG! I love this thread! I can't wait for an April one, so I can start fresh! I love $0 dollar days - I have just noted it to myself in the past, not actually kept track, but I always play a game with myself to see if I can get more money in than out in any given day. With rebates, selling on craigslist, etc.

Oooh, I can't wait to start April!

Jenny

 

[smiller]

3/1 - $15.00 Newleaf Natural
3/2 - $0.99 CVS
3/3 - $1.18 CVS
3/4 - $20.69 Newleaf Natural
3/5 - $10.91 Sauganash Grill
3/5 - $9.73 Whole Foods
3/6 - $0
3/7 - $14.61 Wine
3/8 - $1.50 Coke
3/9 - $0
3/10 - $14.19 Green Grocer
3/10 - $12.00 Out with Friends
3/11 - $15.64 Jewel
3/11 - $5.61 Trader Joe's
3/12 - $0
3/13 - $50 Pub Crawl
3/14 - $1.10 McDonald's
3/15 - $0.15 CVS
3/15 - $1.25 Jewel
3/16 - $9.94 Whole Foods
3/17 - $0
3/18 - $15.00 Newleaf Natural
3/19 - $7.81 Housewarming Gift
3/20 - $0
3/21 - $6.00 Cab
3/22 - $0
3/23 - $12.91 Whole Foods

Total: $226.21/$265.00

 

[casper_jj11]

Yeah Paula! Four in a row!

 

[bettyann29]

Im very late in this game.. it doesnt really make sense for me to list my budget as the month is almost up but hoping to use this thread so I can at least keep track of my extra spending for the rest of the month.. and then will join in for the month of April..

03/22- $37.95--groceries, $7.59--misc items (trash can)
03/23- $0
03/24-
03/25-
03/26-
03/27-
03/28-
03/29-
03/30-
03/31-

 

[hoffmann2828]

Does anyone mind if I start the thread for April already? I want to start working on my budget. If it's too early, that's okay, this is my first time participating.

Jenny

 

[smiller]

Does anyone mind if I start the thread for April already? I want to start working on my budget. If it's too early, that's okay, this is my first time participating.

Jenny

Fine by me! I'd love to start getting April on the brain...

And, because I just got such a good deal on my lunch break, I have to post twice in one day:

3/1 - $15.00 Newleaf Natural
3/2 - $0.99 CVS
3/3 - $1.18 CVS
3/4 - $20.69 Newleaf Natural
3/5 - $10.91 Sauganash Grill
3/5 - $9.73 Whole Foods
3/6 - $0
3/7 - $14.61 Wine
3/8 - $1.50 Coke
3/9 - $0
3/10 - $14.19 Green Grocer
3/10 - $12.00 Out with Friends
3/11 - $15.64 Jewel
3/11 - $5.61 Trader Joe's
3/12 - $0
3/13 - $50 Pub Crawl
3/14 - $1.10 McDonald's
3/15 - $0.15 CVS
3/15 - $1.25 Jewel
3/16 - $9.94 Whole Foods
3/17 - $0
3/18 - $15.00 Newleaf Natural
3/19 - $7.81 Housewarming Gift
3/20 - $0
3/21 - $6.00 Cab
3/22 - $0
3/23 - $12.91 Whole Foods

3/24 - $0.34 Jewel (10 boxes of cereal and got coupons for 3 free gallons of milk, up to $4.69 each!)

This makes up for the fact that I'm still bothered that I think I got overcharged by $0.19 for my cream cheese yesterday at Whole Foods... I'll get over it!

Total: $226.55/$265.00

 

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

Why start April already?

You still have 8 days left in march...

 

[hoffmann2828]

Why start April already?

You still have 8 days left in march...

I know, but it's too late for me to set a budget, etc. I'll still try to get as many zero days as I can though!

Never mind! You're right - I should seize the moment!


March 24th - (sold old grill + $60, purchased broom vac - $27, Groceries - $21) + $12
March 25th - (Groceries - $42) - $42
March 26th - (Tinkerbell DVD for Easter Basket - $13.50, Rebates + $5, Groceries - $6, Easter Gifts - $12) - $26.50
March 27th - (Survey payment + 3) + $3
March 28th - (Free Lego GC + 10, TRU - $16, Haircuts - $62, On the Border - $38) - $106
March 29th - (Gift for Great Grandma - $35) - $35
March 30th - (I'm NOT leaving the house!! LOL) $0
March 31st -

Net Spent for March: $194.50

Zero Dollar Days - 1
Profit Days - 2
Spend days - 4

 

[Cynt]

Let's keep this going. BUMP

 

[Grendalynn]

Your Beer bill looks about like mine!! I am seeing apettern here!!



Yeah, DH does like his "entertainment!"

WEEkLY UPDATED:
So far - here is my tally (outside of our regular budget of $250 "spending$" a month):

3/1: $12.99 & $10.69- (DH - beer & ??)
3/2: $3.29 for milk (DH)
3/3: $3.00 Lottery tickets ($25 million would be bad to win...) (DH)
3/4: $9.69 - (DH)
3/5: $15.67 - My turn to buy lunch for myself and coworker (every other week)
3/6:$5.49 +$7.28 = $12.77 (DH - ??)
3/7:$14.97 - (DH lunch & beer)
3/8: $9.00 - Car wash
3/9: $20.38 - Milk, eggs, bread, a few misc groceries
3/10: $13.00 - Beer, Lottery tickets and lunch (DH & $4 me)

Anyone seeing a pettern here - DH?? Beer?? $115.42 TOTAL Not doing so hot!! DH and I are going to have a little talking to!!

I am not doing so well this month... Or should I say DH isn't doing so well. I think we have had a total of maybe 4 no-spend, no-buy days! And we still have a week+ to go in March! As a PP said, we both need to get on board before we attempt this again.

I have considered taking $40+ dollars out each friday from our paychecks and that is his spending $$ for the week. Once ints gone - its gone... He can budget his beer money, lottery tickets and snack money or whatever else he wants to spend it on. I tend to spen les in a week but make up for it on weekends with groceries, things the house or family needs and such. This a great idea and ef. makes you think or re-think every dollar you have to spend when having to write (ok, type) it down and share with all of The Dis-Community. I will re-evaluate and try again in April!

 

[bettyann29]

03/22- $37.95--groceries, $7.59--misc items (trash can)
03/23- $0
03/24- $15 for D15 lunches, 5.91 on fastfood , $3.17 for envelope and postage to mail socks in exchange Im doing on the disboards
03/25-
03/26-
03/27-
03/28-
03/29-
03/30-
03/31-

Hoping to keep today to a minimum.. I did have to give DD17 a $30 check for copay for her dr visit today, but I can mail that receipt in and get money back from FSA.. I'll still count it though and then note when I get the $ back.. Im planning on staying home today so I wont have to spend any money.. ((((fingers crossed))))

 

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

March 1: $0
March 2: $0
March 3: $0
March 4: $0
March 5: $0
March 6: $ 21.89 gas, $6 library fine (oops)
March 7: $0
March 8: $0
March 9: $0
March 10: $37.73 (CVS) , $175.03 (food shopping)
March 11: $0
March 12: $0
March 13: $0
March 14: $0
March 15: $0
March 16: $26.57 gas, $4.50 lunch
March 17: $60 kid's camp, 101 groceries. (ok, I admit it, I snuck a few flowers into the cart-the yard is SO brown!)
March 18: $0
March 19: $0
March 20: $14.27 bday gift (also bought the DD's books, used a 25$ gc that I got for my bday), and $30.30 on drycleaning.
March 21: $0
March 22: $0
March 23: $0 (home with a sick kid today)
March 24: $27.17 (gas)
March 25: $0 (probably, no plans to shop, I now have dd's cold )

Hang in there, only 6 more days left!

Think of it as the final sprint up the hill.

I have the words "shoe shopping" on my calendar for April 1 if I can make it through the next 6 days with 0's (with the exception of an oil change in my car-safety first!). My DH was like, is that an april fool joke? And I'm like, ooohhh hooo, no, it's for real.