No Buy September

[carissanboys]

Groceries - $141.14/$400
Pet - $10
Household/Misc. - $36.64/$50
My blow money - $27.78/$60
Dh’s blow money - $60 (I won't be keeping track of this.)
Gas - $30.37/$160

9/1 - $39.29 (KMart/groceries), $7.33 (Target/household), $20.84 (commissary/groceries)
9/2 - $0
9/3 - $0
9/4 - $40 (TGI Friday's - budgeted dinner out - comes out of groceries), $30.37 - gas for my van
9/5 - $41.01 (commissary/groceries), $8.39 (thrift store - garbage bag full of clothes for everyone in the family), $20.92 (Walmart/household - paint supplies to redo dressers and L-Brackets to secure book shelves to wall), $5.24 (Wendy's lunch out of my blow money), $5.24 (thrift store - pair of jeans for me)
9/6 - $31.47 (Home Depot - electric sander - only $16.47 came out of my blow money - dh and I split the cost)
9/7 - $0
9/8 - $0

 

[charming23]

9/1 74.42 Haircuts for both myself and my mom with new bottles of shampoo
13.57 Twilight book for my cousin for her birthday

9/2 14.84 Drugstore for allergy meds
107.00 for groceries, usually not this expensive but needed extra things for weekend
on Kelley's Island

87.28 Verabradley.com birthday present for mom and since they were having a huge
sale I got a new purse also

9/3 35.59 Supplies for Island
19.88 dinner out

9/4 62.00 For ferry boat ride over to island
20.00 for drinks our friday night

9/5 $0

9/6 13.95 new t-shirt from gift shop pn island although a good deal since it was listed at
24.95 earlier this summer

9/7 25.00 for gas on the way home
10.57 for dinner

 

[casper_jj11]

Oh, hey, I here's a pix of the barbie cake I made for DD9's birthday. I'm not a great cook so it took FOUR tries to get the cake right-I'm not talking about the frosting part, I'm talking about the baking part-the first two boiled over and burned to the bottom of the stove (the one that wasn't actually broken), the third one didn't rise, and the fourth one collapsed in the middle. I went with the fourth one and just cooked another cake for the bottom and stacked them. I had to run one of DD's barbies through the dishwasher and then do her hair (cracked me up totally) before I thought she was clean enough to jam into a cake...If I had bought it at Publix it would have been $60. The irony is I went through about $40 worth of supplies trying to get it right ...

QUOTE]

Welcome back! Love the Barbie cake. I always make a fancy cake for my kiddos bdays too. I've spent too much time at work today trying to find a puppy pan for DS2's bday. He's having a Mickey Mouse bday party and someone else is doing his cake for the party but he loves puppies so I'd like to do one for his actual big day. Apparently Wilton has discontinued all the puppy pans. Go figure

 

[twinnersmama]

9/1 $0
9/2 $0
9/3 $0
9/4 $26 -- grocery store just stopped in for the "bargains"
9/5 $31 -- gas
9/6 $0
9/7 $0
9/8 $0

So far, so good ... DH is another story though ... I think everything I am saving this month, he is spending -- PLUS some !

 

[Tiggerish]

I loved the Barbie cake and I know what you went through - ask my family about my homemade cherry pie that cost me almost $20 (and was both burnt and under cooked) when I could have bought a good bakery one for $8. My defense it that the store bought does not have any "love" baked in and that is worth the extra.

Total discretionary budget for September is $600.

Groceries = $150 / $75 left
Auto/Gas = $50 / $37 left
Giving = $50 / $40 left
Medical = $10
Chicago Trip = $175 / $2 over
Eating Out = $40 / $35 left
Misc. = $125 / $55 left
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
9/1 $152 Chicago trip for gas, hotel and food
9/2 $10 Chicago trip for food and bus fare; $17 Misc. to buy a pair of pants since I failed to pack properly. $18 Misc. Disney store for Christmas presents
9/3 $15 Chicago trip for food; $35 Misc - newspaper subscription renewnal; $50 Groceries
9/4 $25 Groceries; $13 Gas; $3 Eating out
9/5 $2 Eating out
9/6 $10 Giving - church collection
9/7 $0
9/8 $0

 

[princessbride6205]

Well, I'm not sure what to call our State Fair trip yesterday. When planning this month's budget I had thought of listing as an exception, but then I thought we wouldn't get to go, so I didn't list it out. Bah. I'll list it separately below and figure out where to put it later.

9/1 - $9 groceries
9/2 - $11 Lunch
9/3 - $1 snack
9/4 - $9 Pizza dinner
9/5 - $46 groceries, $29 other (diapers & vitamins), [$10 meds - not listed below]
9/6 - $0
9/7 - $60 State Fair admission, parking & food
9/8 - $0

BUDGET
Groceries - 55/300
Other (clothes, diapers, etc) - 29/150
Dining Out - 9/110
Gas/Parking - 0/130 (this amount based on work paying my parking this month, there is a small chance they won't, then I'll need to raise budget)
My Fun Money - 12/50
State Fair - 60/??

EXCEPTIONS
* Reward for meeting my weight loss goal for Summer DIS Biggest Loser - download new season of TV shows to my iTunes/iPod.
* Fun Money - $50 each for DH & I. I'll just track mine here so I can remember how much I have.
* Sister's Birthday - $75
* Baby gift for friend - $40
* Photo Software - $260 - We put this off from last month, but photography is too important to us to keep using the free software we have. Last week we had another glitch that lost 100 photos, even though we back up everything. Photo is our main hobby (other than traveling to Disney - HA!) and we don't take DD to get her pictures done - we do them ourselves.
* Passport - something else I put off from last month

 

[Jennia]

Sept 1: $0
Sept 2: $53 between Gymboree and Walgreens
Sept 3: $34 at Target
Sept 4: $0
Sept 5: $68 at various Labor Day sales
Sept 6: $0
Sept 7: $0
Sept 8: $0

 

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

Ugh, had a bad day yesterday, DD10's cough came back and I brought her to the ped and she said she needed an inhaler and prednisone to help clear up her lungs from the bronchitis two weeks ago, that was $40 co-pay, $50.72 in Rx, and $28.22 in groceries like lots of oj, probiotic yogurts, etc.

THEN DD9 announced that she has a huge science project due thurs, and that was $23.40 at Michael's and $22 at Barnes & Noble. .

So what was that, $165 in one day, bam. Add to that the meds are *totally* wigging out DD, so I don't know how much we'll actually be able to use ...

 

[MrsSpratt]

Ugh, had a bad day yesterday, DD10's cough came back and I brought her to the ped and she said she needed an inhaler and prednisone to help clear up her lungs from the bronchitis two weeks ago, that was $40 co-pay, $50.72 in Rx, and $28.22 in groceries like lots of oj, probiotic yogurts, etc.

THEN DD9 announced that she has a huge science project due thurs, and that was $23.40 at Michael's and $22 at Barnes & Noble. .

So what was that, $165 in one day, bam. Add to that the meds are *totally* wigging out DD, so I don't know how much we'll actually be able to use ...

Sorry, Joie!

 

[MrsSpratt]

9/8 - actually, nothing. I LEFT MY COSTCO CARD AT HOME.
So, didn't get to the grocery, etc yesterday so I have nothing to take to work! (Except for blessed Iced Tea - yay DH!) WAH!

In other news, my mint account doesn't show pending charges, only charges that have gone through, so I'm interested to get into that today, and really start to get a feel for where we are on the month....

In other other news, my weekly weigh-in was a samer - better than a gainer!

Hope y'all are having a great week!

Mrs. Spratt

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

This is a great thread! I'll add my budget in just a bit but wanted to give a shout out to MrsSpratt! You hit the nail on the head when you talk about a budget for finances AND calories. Years ago with my first child, I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes and they didn't understand because looking at me, I'm not your typical diabetic. But what I learned will last me a lifetime! I tracked every single calorie I put in my body and also track every penny that leaves my wallet. More calories definitely cost more money! Here are some calorie & money-saving tips (and great items for diabetics!):
- Variety is NOT the spice of life for a diabetic. The key to maintaining your blood sugar and weight is eating the same thing at the same time every day so don't be fooled into thinking you must buy that $10 foreign vegetable because it is 'better' for you
- Steel cut oats & rolled oats - buy them in bulk. Make a big pot on Sunday - add chopped pecans, raisins, cinnamon (excellent for diabetics & everyone). Store in tupperware and use as your breakfast each day at work. Pop in the microwave with a bit of milk to soften it up and top with berries (buy the store brand frozen berries that don't have added sugar). The raisins provide enough sweetness so don't add sugar!
- Eggs!!! Have two whites + one yolk with wheat toast or make an omelette with whatever veg you have in the house (frozen chopped spinach is healthy & cheap!) and if you like cheese - go for the 2% cheese.
- Fresh frozen fruits & veggies - store brands carry these and put them on sale all the time
- Make your own tomato or broth based soup. Add whatever is in the cupboards - barley, tomatoes, frozen or fresh veg, leftover chicken or other meat.
- Buy wheat... always buy wheat.
- Have something in your house and don't know what to make? Go to allrecipes.com and enter in the ingredients you want to use and click search. You can even enter ingredients you don't want (like heavy cream - too many calories)

I'm at the healthiest I've ever been, even after two kids (I do run 5x a week too but that keeps me sane!). And we can usually spend <$70 week on groceries for our family of four. That includes making our own meals for most of the week (we usually go out to eat once a week for dinner).

Good luck MrsSpratt!

Hi there, Team No Buy! After lurking for quite a while, I've decided to "man up" and join! The thing is, I'm trying to "fix" EVERYTHING in my life.

I have gained 70 pounds in the 18 months I've been married; 40 in the past six months! (I promise, I'm getting to the money part!)

Those 40 pounds are from "eating with the team" everyday. We always order in. I was also buying breakfast daily - we are talking 10-20 dollars a day!

So my lifestyle has become too expensive, financially and calorically. Thus, the challenge was born: could I bring my lunch (and breakfast!) EVERY DAY? Not spend the 2.25 daily for my precious iced tea? And can I lose weight doing it?

I've been bringing food for a week. Still gained a pound, but that is ok. (Alright, I wanted to burst into tears, but there you have it.)

So I guess this is a combo "No Buy/Wish" report. It just seems like everyone here is so supportive - I hope y'all don't mind me talking about both.

I recently joined Mint, and I was SHOCKED at the amount we are spending on food! And alcohol! And we have 42K in debt just sitting there, NOT BEING PAID OFF. It is KILLING me. So I don't really have a budget yet - I've just been tracking all of our spending, as well as everything I put in my mouth. (LiveStrong.com rocks!)

So...
September "First time I'm tracking everything with some measure of accountability" here I come!
9/1 - brought breakfast, lunch, and iced tea. Need to get gas (32.00?) and lawn treatment (?)

Wish me luck!

Mrs. Spratt

 

[MrsSpratt]

This is a great thread! I'll add my budget in just a bit but wanted to give a shout out to MrsSpratt! You hit the nail on the head when you talk about a budget for finances AND calories. Years ago with my first child, I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes and they didn't understand because looking at me, I'm not your typical diabetic. But what I learned will last me a lifetime! I tracked every single calorie I put in my body and also track every penny that leaves my wallet. More calories definitely cost more money! Here are some calorie & money-saving tips (and great items for diabetics!):
- Variety is NOT the spice of life for a diabetic. The key to maintaining your blood sugar and weight is eating the same thing at the same time every day so don't be fooled into thinking you must buy that $10 foreign vegetable because it is 'better' for you
- Steel cut oats & rolled oats - buy them in bulk. Make a big pot on Sunday - add chopped pecans, raisins, cinnamon (excellent for diabetics & everyone). Store in tupperware and use as your breakfast each day at work. Pop in the microwave with a bit of milk to soften it up and top with berries (buy the store brand frozen berries that don't have added sugar). The raisins provide enough sweetness so don't add sugar!
- Eggs!!! Have two whites + one yolk with wheat toast or make an omelette with whatever veg you have in the house (frozen chopped spinach is healthy & cheap!) and if you like cheese - go for the 2% cheese.
- Fresh frozen fruits & veggies - store brands carry these and put them on sale all the time
- Make your own tomato or broth based soup. Add whatever is in the cupboards - barley, tomatoes, frozen or fresh veg, leftover chicken or other meat.
- Buy wheat... always buy wheat.
- Have something in your house and don't know what to make? Go to allrecipes.com and enter in the ingredients you want to use and click search. You can even enter ingredients you don't want (like heavy cream - too many calories)

I'm at the healthiest I've ever been, even after two kids (I do run 5x a week too but that keeps me sane!). And we can usually spend <$70 week on groceries for our family of four. That includes making our own meals for most of the week (we usually go out to eat once a week for dinner).

Good luck MrsSpratt!

I'm sitting here with tears streaming down my face. You have no idea how much your support means! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

Mrs. S.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

I track every penny we spend and what we need to budget for each month. I also track our financial goals in life and make sure I accomplish them (#1 is to pay taxes ). I work for a company and have a salary but my husband has his own business so his expenses and income can vary greatly. We've finally gotten used to the ups & downs of the year for him and can budget better than when he first started this business. We have two kids - one in K, one in 2nd grade. We have both of them in before/after school care and the Kindy is in another paid half day of school. Our fixed bills each month (or some months) include mortgage, land phone line, cell phones, cable/internet, electricity, water, trash, school/daycare, life insurance, car insurance, & DH work insurance.

Since we pay for most everything on credit cards so we can get cash back (we pay in full every month), my September budget includes the credit card bill we get in September. That means I've already 'spent' most of my budget and I'm working on October (when the credit card closes on 9/16, I start putting all the actual spending into November).

So for September, here is what we did (budget / actual):

Groceries 350 / 404
Kids 50 / 245 (Wow! I didn't factor in all the back to school supplies, PTA $, yearbook & picture $, teacher donations, etc. but next year I'm budgeting $250 for this month)
Medical 20 /40
Dining 150 / 261
Gifts 50 / 130
Gas 150 / 54
Toiletries 120 / 362
Clothes 40 / 206
Home 20 / 47
Entertainment 50 / 141
Car extra 10 / 14
Vacation 1300 / 779
Misc 100 / 179

Total 2410 / 2862

Well, I must confess that I was going to erase this and either not post or lie because I am disappointed in myself for going over budget. But that is what the board is all about, right???

More $ spent now means less at Disney - I'm saving.... And I'm checking on October right now!!!

 

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

Since we pay for most everything on credit cards so we can get cash back (we pay in full every month), my September budget includes the credit card bill we get in September. That means I've already 'spent' most of my budget and I'm working on October (when the credit card closes on 9/16, I start putting all the actual spending into November).

We do the same thing, I just moved the closing date for the disney visa and the amex to the end of the month because my "budget" and DH's budget (he tracks and pays everything) were not matching up very well because his cycles around the credit card billing cycle (we also pay off each month, never revolve). We just did this in July, I hope it will help me.

Well, I must confess that I was going to erase this and either not post or lie because I am disappointed in myself for going over budget. But that is what the board is all about, right???

Can't tell you how many times I wanted to do the same thing. I get so mad when I go over , but hey, even if I wanted to lie to y'all, the credit card bill's still telling the truth, so I may as well suck it up and put it out there for real

 

[PixiePlanner]

This is a great thread! I'll add my budget in just a bit but wanted to give a shout out to MrsSpratt! You hit the nail on the head when you talk about a budget for finances AND calories. Years ago with my first child, I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes and they didn't understand because looking at me, I'm not your typical diabetic. But what I learned will last me a lifetime! I tracked every single calorie I put in my body and also track every penny that leaves my wallet. More calories definitely cost more money! Here are some calorie & money-saving tips (and great items for diabetics!):
- Variety is NOT the spice of life for a diabetic. The key to maintaining your blood sugar and weight is eating the same thing at the same time every day so don't be fooled into thinking you must buy that $10 foreign vegetable because it is 'better' for you
- Steel cut oats & rolled oats - buy them in bulk. Make a big pot on Sunday - add chopped pecans, raisins, cinnamon (excellent for diabetics & everyone). Store in tupperware and use as your breakfast each day at work. Pop in the microwave with a bit of milk to soften it up and top with berries (buy the store brand frozen berries that don't have added sugar). The raisins provide enough sweetness so don't add sugar!
- Eggs!!! Have two whites + one yolk with wheat toast or make an omelette with whatever veg you have in the house (frozen chopped spinach is healthy & cheap!) and if you like cheese - go for the 2% cheese.
- Fresh frozen fruits & veggies - store brands carry these and put them on sale all the time
- Make your own tomato or broth based soup. Add whatever is in the cupboards - barley, tomatoes, frozen or fresh veg, leftover chicken or other meat.
- Buy wheat... always buy wheat.
- Have something in your house and don't know what to make? Go to allrecipes.com and enter in the ingredients you want to use and click search. You can even enter ingredients you don't want (like heavy cream - too many calories)

I'm at the healthiest I've ever been, even after two kids (I do run 5x a week too but that keeps me sane!). And we can usually spend <$70 week on groceries for our family of four. That includes making our own meals for most of the week (we usually go out to eat once a week for dinner).

Good luck MrsSpratt!

I just joined this thread this month and when I read MrsSpratt's post, I completely related. I now weigh what I did when I delivered DD6. DD is now beginning to have weight issues which breaks my heart. I just went to a meeting last night about being Generation H (Healthy) at her school. A doctor spoke and noted that eating one breakfast toaster pastry is feeding your child 12 tsp of sugar! Yikes! DD rarely eats this for breakfast but of course this morning she asked for one! DS10 eats one every morning. Guess what I will forget to buy this week at the store?
Bringing this back to budgeting, she (the doctor) did mention ways to eat healthier for less. Some we were already doing: I have been sending DD to school w/ a packed lunch and my grocery bill hasn't really increased. DS has decided he wants to bring his lunch more often too. He has no idea the whole wheat tortillas are good for him! Her school has gone to no birthday treats as part of this Generation H program. Instead they will be playing a special game or something (they have a list of 10 things to chose from). All of this costs me $0.

 

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

Oh, hey, I forgot to give major snaps to oatmeal.

We eat a ton of oatmeal.

That's seriously good stuff, especially if you mix in some greek yogurt with it-yeah, fat free, tastes exactly like sour cream, add some honey, blob it over oatmeal, and it's amazing.

Love it!

 

[carissanboys]

Oh, hey, I forgot to give major snaps to oatmeal.

We eat a ton of oatmeal.

That's seriously good stuff, especially if you mix in some greek yogurt with it-yeah, fat free, tastes exactly like sour cream, add some honey, blob it over oatmeal, and it's amazing.

Love it!

I love oatmeal too. I buy a big cannister of the traditional oats and use it in many things (I've used it to stretch ground beef). I eat it for breakfast often and love to either mix in yogurt or peanut butter.

 

[carissanboys]

Groceries - $192.55/$400
Pet - $10
Household/Misc. - $36.64/$50
My blow money - $27.78/$60
Dh’s blow money - $60 (I won't be keeping track of this.)
Gas - $30.37/$160

9/1 - $39.29 (KMart/groceries), $7.33 (Target/household), $20.84 (commissary/groceries)
9/2 - $0
9/3 - $0
9/4 - $40 (TGI Friday's - budgeted dinner out - comes out of groceries), $30.37 - gas for my van
9/5 - $41.01 (commissary/groceries), $8.39 (thrift store - garbage bag full of clothes for everyone in the family), $20.92 (Walmart/household - paint supplies to redo dressers and L-Brackets to secure book shelves to wall), $5.24 (Wendy's lunch out of my blow money), $5.24 (thrift store - pair of jeans for me)
9/6 - $31.47 (Home Depot - electric sander - only $16.47 came out of my blow money - dh and I split the cost)
9/7 - $0
9/8 - $0
9/9 - $51.41 - (KMart - groceries)

 

[MrsSpratt]

Oh, hey, I forgot to give major snaps to oatmeal.

We eat a ton of oatmeal.

That's seriously good stuff, especially if you mix in some greek yogurt with it-yeah, fat free, tastes exactly like sour cream, add some honey, blob it over oatmeal, and it's amazing.

Love it!

I've been doing Greek Yogurt (o% fat)over fruit (pre-cut, Costco) for breakfast, and I LOVE IT!

When you make your Oatmeal on Sunday, do you freeze it? OR does it last in the fridge for 5 days? I will love this in winter....

I had to order in kunch, so it is a spinach chopped salad - SO GOOD it is worth "cheating."

Ladies, thanks for the support. It makes a BIG difference!

 

[sherry7]

Updated as of today

Planned amounts/Spent so far:

Groceries - $300/$80.10 spent
Cat food/treats/litter - $45/$55.75 spent (overbought but stocked up for a couple of months)
Gasoline (me only, can't keep track of DH's, but he has a very short commute) - $140/$32.85 spent
Tolls for my commute - $52.50/$2.50 spent
Oil change & tire rotation for DH's truck - $30/$40.70 spent
Front end alignment for my car - $30/$0 spent
Household, Personal Products - $20/$90.47 spent (way underestimated this!)
Clothing for me (last years Fall clothes are way too big on me ) - $150/$79.88 spent
Takeout lunches at work for me & work snacks (major cut planned!) - $35/$15 spent
Bottled water club at my work - $10/$10 spent
Dinners out (2 birthday dinners this month) - $150/$102.00 spent
DS's birthday - $30 gift/$30 spent, $20/$0 spent bakery cake...he decided he wanted a homemade cake instead.
DM's birthday - $25/$0 spent
Toby Keith concert tickets (still debating on this) - $88/$0 spent
Hair cuts for me, DH, DS - $63/$0 spent
Frames for DS's senior pics (been putting off buying these...but I really need to display those awesome pics!) - $100/$0 spent


9/1 Bread and milk $6.05, $10 for monthly bottled water club at work

9/2 Chinese takeout for lunch (enough for 2 days) $7, dinner at TGIFriday's with DS $28.19 with tip (had a BOGO coupon)

9/3 Groceries $50.10, Great sale on antiperspirant $15.00, Bought snack & drink at work $1

9/4 Big spending day! Impromptu dinner at Smoky Bones with DH. $17.78 including tip (had a $10 off coupon). Snack & drink at work $1. 2 buckets of cat litter $22.77. Forgot we needed this, but we're stocked up for at least 2 months now. Large bag of cat food $25.56. 6 cans of cat treats $6.36, enough for several months. Groceries $22.95. Misc items at dollar store $6.36. Awesome Kenneth Cole leather coat (for me) at Sam's for only $79.88...unplanned for, but last winter's coat is too large. Vitamins & calcium $20.86, enough for several months. Case of Kleenex at Sam's $10.59, enough for several months. 20 pack of soap at Sam's $8.13. Oil change & tire rotation for DH's truck $40.70. New cordless phone $19.99. Gas for my car $32.85.

9/5 Zero day!

9/6 Dinner out for DS's birthday $39.61 including tip

9/7 Groceries $1.00, Household supplies $5.30, Personal products $3.18

9/8 Takeout lunch at work $6.00. Takeout pizza for dinner $16.42

9/9
9/10
9/11
9/12
9/13
9/14
9/15
9/16
9/17
9/18
9/19
9/20
9/21
9/22
9/23
9/24
9/24
9/25
9/26
9/27
9/28
9/29
9/30[/QUOTE]