No Buy May

[SnowWhite607]

12th - spent 30.00 for gas in my car and 73.45 in groceries/household. Gas was 3.49 (last week 3.43) but I got a $30 gift card at Walmart before I filled up cause its a 3 cent discount with a shopping card. I got 9 gallons so I saved a whole 27 cents! LOL! I may not bother next time........even if I fill up once a week thats still only about $15 a year.

Groceries/household 228.02 left/400 (I feel okay cause there is over half left and we have groceries to last till next week)

Gas 55.00 left/150 (I dont think I budgeted enough for this. Good news is that DH and I are both teachers so when our school gets out next week and DD's also, we wont be driving as much. We are going to PARK his truck and use mine cause its better on gas)

 

[paulasillars]

1st - $0
2nd - $0
3rd - $0
4th - $0
5th - $0
6th - $0
7th - $6 for lunch
8th - $3.50 for CD rental at the library
9th - $0
10th - $6 for lunch, ~$7 at the supermarket for drinks & snacks for the trip, $12 for thermal pool entry fee 11th - found money when crossing the road -$2
12th - $0
13th - $0

$32.50/$250

We are going out for dinner tonight (it's my birthday tomorrow) so Robert will pick up the tab as a birthday gift and his Mum is coming too so that is her sorted for Mothers Day (my side of the family don't bother with Mothers Day).

I've the day off work tomorrow so probably will put a dent into my allowance for the month but I'm out of town on Thursday up on a skifield preparing for the season to open - no where to buy stuff up there

Anyway, better go get myself to the restaurant then www.topkapi.co.nz for anyone interested

 

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

I think I'm doing OK so far this month!

We decided to cancel our Memorial day big cookout so I should be able to save myself $200 there, we're just having our best friends over to hang out. And, my awesome DH put half of our stimulus check in my "new master bath" savings account so I'm really starting to get that ball rolling, and it makes me so excited to see it grow every month that I'm really charged up about not spending in other areas.

We also decided instead of going to Niagara Falls for our 15th wedding anniversary weekend to go to Disney instead. We can stay on points, rent a convertible and drive, and use two days of the park hoppers we have left from a long time ago. The only downside is that my MIL, who agreed to watch our kids on thurs, fri, and sat, is pissed that we're going to Disney AGAIN and may dick out on us for babysitting (it would be our first time away from our 2 girls (8 & 9) EVER), so my DH said, no worries, we'll just toss them in the back of the convertible and bring them along if we have to. Although I'm really, really looking forward to a "grownup" weekend (read: Victoria & Alberts and lots of champagne and staying up VERY late ), if we have to bring them we can.

So, here are my totals so far:

May 1: Books 18, Food 258.99
May 2: 26.72 CVS, 20.25 DH's shirts
May 3: 0
May 4: 20 photos (budgeted)
May 5: 0
May 6: 54.73 gas (I have a motorcycle license, I should seriously consider using that for work!)
May 7: 12.56 food, 28.94 shower gift, 32.04 teacher gift (had a parent not step up for a commitment and I wanted to make sure the teacher go her teacher appreciation gifts)
May 8: 96.13 food
May 9: 0
May 10: 0
May 11: 0 (Happy Mother's Day!)
May 12: 11 food

I'm also reading this book called "One Year To An Organized Life", and the more I read about time management and organization, the more I'm convinced that it's intrinsically linked to spending; that we end up spending way too much because we're not organized. This book seems to reinforce that. It's cute, it has little ducks in a row on the front cover.

My favorite book has definitely been House Lust, I went to a baby shower this past weekend (I found a baby scrapbook kit at 50% off and used a coupon for the gift woo hoo!) at a TWO MILLION DOLLAR home, and if I hadn' read that book I would have been having a hard time. But I was cool, knowing that a big fancy house does not equal happiness, and enjoyed being in the house for the shower and enjoyed the shower without feeling stabbing pangs of envy. Ok, maybe a little for how nice the kitchen was, but nothing to ruin my day .

 

[Siouxstone]

paulasillars~ Happy Birthday! I hope you have a great day!

 

[KarenAylwood]

Hi All!!

Paulasillers!!

Ok I'm checking in mostly because I feel like I should...

yesterday was $0 day. That's about all I can remember. I have been keeping track on my excel sheet at home, and I know I haven't gone over budget, but I can't remember now what I spent!

Went to a wedding on Saturday and I gave the couple a $100 check. It's more than I've given in the past (esp for a work friend having a very small backyard wedding) but I knew that they really need the money with a baby on the way and the groom having a hard time finding work lately. They were absolutely thrilled to get it so it was money well gifted

I also was given a $100 American Express gift card at work for reaching a goal! Woohoo!

Today starts my exemption period. My mom flies in this afternoon!! Only 3 more hours till I get to see her!!!!!! I'm so excited. We're going out to eat and shopping, etc. I plan on keeping track of everything I spend, and I've budgeted a tentative $500 for the trip. It's coming out of the vacation account- I hope I can stick to it!

 

[IlliniMouse]

I'm also reading this book called "One Year To An Organized Life", and the more I read about time management and organization, the more I'm convinced that it's intrinsically linked to spending; that we end up spending way too much because we're not organized. This book seems to reinforce that. It's cute, it has little ducks in a row on the front cover.

If keeping my house clean has a direct correlation to how much I spend, I am SO buying that book-in the budget or NOT!!! If clean house=keeping money in my pocket, me and my vacuum are going to be BFF's!

here's where I sit this month so far
gifts 55.74/125
entertainment 155.02/300
school 0/100
groceries 201.01/500
gas 286.85/700
misc household 107.82/100-OOPS!

I'm actually doing better than I thought in some areas...but the month isn't over yet either!!! (And hubby might have some receipts stashed in his wallet that I haven't seen. ) However, I'm thinking my misc. household will be even more out of whack because I need mulch and some other things to get my garden ready to plant. Now to keep my eyes off of the FLOWERS when I go pick those things up!!! I have no idea how those flowers ended up in my cart. really.

 

[TaniaU]

Lost track of some stuff since the weekend but do know:

$135 groceries on Sunday
$43 gas today
$20 groceries today (forgot some stuff on Sunday)

So that leaves

$350/ $600 Groceries / food
$105 / $100 Household
$85 / $200 Gas

 

[TheBigBadWolf]

This week we had more expense, as DH took a week's vacation. We didn't go anywhere, just stayed around the house planting the vegetable garden, flowers and trees.

Week 19
5/6 $5.32 Sonic (2 milkshakes)
$34.32 Horse Feed
$1.61 corn to feed the squirrels
$51.59 Makeup mirror
$8.24 Ped Egg for me
$8.24 extra Ped Egg for part of a graduation gift
$16.16 seed, garden trowel, plant, fertilizer
$26.51 Water hose
$24.52 Colorado Blue Spruce tree
$47.13 Lawn Chairs (2)
$102.66 Groceries
5/7 $0
5/8 $36.53 prescriptions
$10.00 medicine for my horse
$10.44 groceries
$5.34 Sonic (2 milkshakes)
$4.75 tomato plants (4)
$1.25 coleus plant (1)
$14.00 (2) gallons soybean oil for horses
5/9 $29.03 propane for grill
5/10 $0
5/11 $50.00 gas
$12.25 cat food
$86.71 groceries/household
$32.57 NOAA weather radio for DD - not in budget but I worry about her since she doesn't watch TV (or pay any attention to the weather and we live in Tornado Alley)
5/12 $1.15 DH spent @ work

 

[SnowWhite607]

I actually had a zero day yesterday! I got breakfast at Starbucks but used my gift card that I got for Mothers Day, went to work and came home.

Hopefully another zero day today!

 

[global_mom]

Ok - I am actually reporting in for the 1st time this month and I feel pretty good about it. The budget has not been perfect but it is a good start. I also feel so much more in control of our money now that I know where it is really going. So here it is to date:

Groceries (which includes anything from the grocery store like paper plates etc.) $439.15/$500

Dining out $248.77/$250 (our DS12 plays in a rock band and we ended up eating at the venue where he played on Sat. night, had not planned on it)

Gas $242.28/$500 I am really surprised that this is not much higher.

Savings $450.78/$500 yea!

Household $33.51/$300

Misc./clothing/gifts $414.50/$300 This one is bad but I propably should have moved some of this tot he "household" line item. It is such a hassle to break out items on each receipt so I tend to lump them together)

This is all really hard but I feel like progress is being made, especially since DH has come on board. He has even come home to fix lunch a couple of times which is a huge improvement for him.

Have a great Wednesday everyone!!

 

[Siouxstone]

Ok - I am actually reporting in for the 1st time this month and I feel pretty good about it. The budget has not been perfect but it is a good start. I also feel so much more in control of our money now that I know where it is really going. So here it is to date:

Groceries (which includes anything from the grocery store like paper plates etc.) $439.15/$500

Dining out $248.77/$250 (our DS12 plays in a rock band and we ended up eating at the venue where he played on Sat. night, had not planned on it)

Gas $242.28/$500 I am really surprised that this is not much higher.

Savings $450.78/$500 yea!

Household $33.51/$300

Misc./clothing/gifts $414.50/$300 This one is bad but I propably should have moved some of this tot he "household" line item. It is such a hassle to break out items on each receipt so I tend to lump them together)

This is all really hard but I feel like progress is being made, especially since DH has come on board. He has even come home to fix lunch a couple of times which is a huge improvement for him.

Have a great Wednesday everyone!!

The first few times around, it is a bit harder because you are learning. But honestly, the two items in red are the most important part of the whole thing!

Kickapoo~ I think you are totally right about organization and finances. In fact, earlier this year, I browsed through Does This Clutter Make My Butt Look Big by Peter Walsh and saw him make the connection between organization and tubbiness. I think it's all linked together. Every year, I joke about writing a book and calling it Fat, Broke, & Disorganized! It should sell well during the first part of the year!

Ok, let me catch up my totals before I go pack. I had a $0 day on Monday and got groceries on Tuesday, mostly ignoring DH's giant "before you go out of town" list. Honestly, I will be back late tomorrow night. At least I made my last tank of gas, bought when I went out of town two weeks ago, last until today, so that has saved some money. Here's hoping my expense check gets here before the credit card bill.

5/1-$0
5/2-$33 at Walmart, budgeted, $35 unplanned
5/3-$0
5/4-$0
5/5-$38 groceries at Sam's
5/6-$8 out of Mother's Day budget
5/7-$87 groceries, crap at grocery store and a giant cookie
5/8-$0
5/9-$18 out of Mother's Day budget for day out alone with DS
5/10-$0 I guess, don't know when DH & DS bought presents
5/11-$26.14 at Lowes for emergency plumbing repairs, $33 eating out overage on Mother's Day budget, $34 Sam's & Target
5/12-$0
5/13-$62 on groceries

Hmm, only 7 out of 13 days. I hope to do better during the second half of the month!

 

[decaff38]

My first attempt budget:
Update for 5/15 (first half of the month)

150/200 for groceries( not including the parties)
60/100 gas (hubby filled my tank so that helps)
130/75 for Mom's party - 13/25.00 for nice plant for Mom Day
10/25 for eating out- just don't do it often
0/30.00 garage sales ( the season begins)
Mortgage, electric, garbage, etc.. stays the same every month
16/25.00 Graduation: postage
10/80.00 beverages
40/250 food( includes 2 breakfasts for 10 each day and a barbaque for 100)
5/25 for birthday gifts and cards
50 for graduation gifts to daughter's friends(5)

Survived the 80th party - Sister of course went over the original budget. We split it 5 ways(5 kids) I ended up with a bunch of the leftover food and am having lunches and snacks all week "for free". Mom had a fabulous time and it was well worth it.
On to the graduation and graduation party.
I am pretty close to on track right now.

Feels good to put it on paper rather than have it run wild and wonder where it all went.

 

[kandeebunny]

5/14 $31.50 Kohls for 7 shirts

Total for this month $31.50/200

 

[SnowWhite607]

I had another zero day today AND I found a $50 check that my step mom had sent DD for her birthday that somehow got between the seats! Free money!! DD says she wants to take it to Disney!

 

[Goobergal99]

Alright new week!!

May 8th- I worked, spent nothing but made $27 on Amazon

May 9th- Friday night, worked and again spent nothing and got paid

May 10th- Bachelor Party for me and DH's best bud, so we spent $180 total but the smile on his face at the strip bar was priceless

May 11th- Mommys day- Dinner with my mom and DD ($52.50) and last min cards for MIL ($6)

May 12th- Food shopping $180 ($45 below budget )

May 13th- Monthly tanning salon renewal $20 (my guilty pleasure) Dress for the wedding a bargain at $20 and yes it is very nice and was on sale, the fact that it was a small proving I have lost weight.... even better!!!

May 14th- Work, bought a misto shake for $3.95 before I got here

So... it is only the 14th, don't get paid until next Friday and already I have blown $276 of my misc spending..... (276 out of 300) so I know I will be going over this couple of weeks, but whatcha gonna do

On the brightside, I am due $77 deposit from half.com.... so maybe I will end up breaking even after all

 

[paulasillars]

Thanks for the birthday wishes! I had a great day yesterday and my Mum picked up the tab for lunch and the entry fee to the historic house we visited in the afternoon.

I did have to put some petrol in the car today but on the bright side, I worked out of town for the day so should be able to claim $40 for expenses anyway.

For my birthday, Robert got me a GC for a facial so I'm having that on Saturday morning - I may have to "top up" if its any extra.

12th - $0
13th - $0
14th - $0
15th - $15 for petrol

$47.50/$250

 

[paulasillars]

12th - $0
13th - $0
14th - $0
15th - $15 for petrol
16th - $55 for dinner with Robert & his Mum
17th - $17 to top up GC for facial

$119.50/$250

 

[roadtripper]

Two whole weeks to go, and I am 148 dollars into my 200.00 budget for gas.

Seriously-- one car gets 35-40 mpg and the other gets 20ish. DH and I each work less than 7 miles from home.

I also WAY underestimated gifts--two college graduation parties this weekend (forgot about those) and I am over in my restaurant budget already with one weekend left (budgeted Memorial Day separately).

Also, I am leaving in a few minutes to buy an insane number of tix to the American Idol concert tour. DD and I each got wristbands, so I am hoping for
12 tickets--not exactly in the budget, but most will be reimbursed by fam and friends.

 

[kandeebunny]

5/14 $31.50 Kohls for 7 shirts
5/15 $0
5/16 $0

Total for this month $31.50/200

 

[Siouxstone]

I'm all done with work trips for a while! Work is done buying me nice meals out for a while! Everything I will be getting back on an expense check I didn't count, so technically Weds was a $0 day. Sadly, with gas as high as it is, it wasn't quite the same to drive as in the past. But, on both trips, I spent $135. My boss picked up the tab on dinner Wednesday night, so that was $95 I don't have to float on the credit card waiting for an expense check. It was yummy too. We ate at Pappadeaux and it was fantastic! I have $230 coming so, I'll be "up" almost a hundred bucks!

I did well at Sam Moon and only spent $13 on a tiara. Yep, a tiara. My friend's birthday is coming up and she claims to be queen. If I wasn't doing No Buy, I probably would've bought the septor too!

The purse at Coach was sold out! Which was a good thing. I was getting wobbly. I really did want to fondle it though!

I bought a small cheesecake for our 15th anniversary at the Cheesecake Factory and instead of lunch grabbed a smoothy for the drive home. Then we went to dinner at a fantastic, yet cheap, hole in the wall steakhouse.

Yesterday was also a $0 day, and today should be as well, however, DH & DS are missing, so who knows what they are up to! However, the house is blissfully quiet!

5/1-$0
5/2-$33 at Walmart, budgeted, $35 unplanned
5/3-$0
5/4-$0
5/5-$38 groceries at Sam's
5/6-$8 out of Mother's Day budget
5/7-$87 groceries, crap at grocery store and a giant cookie
5/8-$0
5/9-$18 out of Mother's Day budget for day out alone with DS
5/10-$0 I guess, don't know when DH & DS bought presents
5/11-$26.14 at Lowes for emergency plumbing repairs, $33 eating out overage on Mother's Day budget, $34 Sam's & Target
5/12-$0
5/13-$62 on groceries
5/14-$0
5/15-$19 Cheesecake Factory, $13 at Sam Moon, $27 Anniversary dinner, $6 smoothie
5/16-$0
5/17- Up $50!