Writing down every penny spent

[SnowWhite607]

I am cooking up some ground beef right now for 3 meals this coming week so maybe I can aviod the drive thru trap!

 

[ZPT1022]

Those trips to Target are killer. I did find a neat little trick though. I was grocery shopping yesterday, did the big stuff at Sam's and only needed a handful of items from Walmart. To insure I wouldn't buy more, I grabbed a hand basket instead of a cart and it worked. I spent only $23.71 at Walmart.

That's a great idea. It would work if I made sure to go out by myself, since half of getting a cart is usually to corral the kids

I love the idea of buying new clothes vs cleaning them but I would be dead broke.

I didn't just buy all new clothes instead of washing them but we do have more than we need right now in large part because of the busted washing machine. It was a $900+washer just a year ago so I was determined to make GE honor their warranty. When I have the washer working it is going pretty much non stop. It was far easier to pick up more clothes for everyone and not need to go to the laundromat as often than to make more trips to the laundromat. DH and I work weird schedules so between that and all the other stuff going on it's hard for me to make it to the laundromat. Ugh. New machine is supposed to come Tuesday, I am SO excited.

Good luck getting into a new home!
.

thank you!

I tend to stop by Target after work...pretty sure they know me by name!

I was at Target once and the girl ringing me up said "OH, I know who you are! I usually work in the cash office and I recognize your checks, very cute!" I don't think it's good that the girl from the cash office at Target recognized me by my checks

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

I was at Target once and the girl ringing me up said "OH, I know who you are! I usually work in the cash office and I recognize your checks, very cute!" I don't think it's good that the girl from the cash office at Target recognized me by my checks

Oh, dear!

 

[a1970model]

How hard would it be to make the chart using excel? I barely know the program.

Go here:
http://www.vertex42.com/ExcelTemplates/personal-budget-spreadsheet.html

The spreadsheets are free, and you can easily change them to add/edit categories to fit your budget. Also, read the page the download is on... there's some great tips and links that will help and motivate you.

My favorite is the Personal Budget Spreadsheet for Excel. As you go through each month (and the rest of the year), it will show you how your spending affects your overall budget.

Good luck! I went through a "budget wake-up call" a couple of years ago. Since then, I've trimmed about $1000 each month off my regular monthly budget.

 

[rentayenta]

Oops, sorry, no. I put in our net income (gross minus 401k, FSA, taxes, HMO, etc...). Some of those categories are part of the generic template that comes with Pro, but I don't use all of them (i.e., taxes, retirement savings, etc.). It's there so that if you want to input in the gross pay and take out the taxes, etc., you can. I just don't count that money, 'cause it isn't available to me anyway.

Your info and insight are both terrific!

YNAB has two choices for income: primary (what you save for next month if you're not living paycheck to paycheck) and supplemental (gets counted into the budget of the month it's deposited). I usually put our paychecks into primary; DH's commission check depends on what we've got going on, and any other deposits (i.e., returned items, birthday checks) are supplemental.

I think we'll put DH's into supplemental and mine into primary.

It's not that hard, in fact Microsoft has templates already created... Before I got YNAB I used one of their free templates (dgl.microsoft.com). Just look up budget on that site. (Not to be a total pain in the , but YNAB also has a basic version which uses Excel - it costs ~$20, and it has most of the functionality of the Pro version...)

(I should also mention that I have nothing to do with YNAB other than being a rabid fan/customer/convert - kinda like the Dave Ramsey fans. It's a great site & program!!)

You like it better than Dave Ramsey? I got a free trial of Dave Ramsey a while back; his info was good was I didn't like the site.

Today was my first day of writing down what I spent. I left home with the expectation of spending approximately $50, and would up spending $124.

Thankfully, I didn't buy junk! I bought a few items for my gift closet (I do my Christmas shopping year). The only purchase I really regretted was the pants I bought on sale - great price, great pants but not essential at the moment. It was a non-refundable item, so I'll just have to live with my buyers' remorse and remind myself to stay focused.

The good news is that I have found some leaks - once I plug those leaks, that will be more money in the bank!

Good job finding the leaks!!!!

My DH and I just started writing down everything we spend (since January 1). So far the only day we spent money was yesterday, simply because it has been the only day we left the house. And while we were pretty good, we did stop in to Shopko (like a regular Target) with the kids...not a good idea. One of the lessons learned is that I need to shop without him or the kids to stay on budget. We didn't even need anything, but were bored and looking for something to do. In the back of my mind I kept thinking, "don't go"..but they won out. It wasn't too bad, but we picked up a few things we really didn't need (and wouldn't have spent the money on if we had just gone home).
This next week will be the true test because I work three days! I tend to stop by Target after work...pretty sure they know me by name! I already bought groceries for the week, so we really don't need anything. I have decided that instead of going shopping after work, I am going to stay in the building an extra 30 minutes and walk in the hallways - that way I will not have time to stop at Target before I need to pick the kids up! We'll see how it goes, though.
I appreciate everyone's feedback on these threads. It is really cool to see different ideas and programs that others have utilized. We are just in the beginning stages of budgeting, and I can't wait to be a veteran!

Its good to recognize our limitations. I cannot go shopping when I am hungry or the cart ends up FULL of garbage foods.

We use Microsoft money and it works great. Love the reporting aspects etc. The info is pure gold. We are good about not spending frivously but with being retired and the last year in the market, it is nice to know that there is some fat in the budget that could still be trimmed. We got our copy free with the computer but they do not cost much.

Wayne

We also use Microsoft Money. Received it free one year with Tax Cut. We love it. Also makes it a lot easier at tax time, as long as you set it up correctly and make sure you itemize each expenditure. DH and I never use cash for anything. We will write a check or slide the debit card for purchases, so there is always a receipt.

Janis

My in-laws swear by Microsoft Money.

DH and I just finished reading DR's TMM so I decided we should write down everything we spend for a month since I have no idea how much we spend on pretty much anything

So far I've planned dinners for the week, read the sale flyers and made shopping lists. I went to three different stores to get things for the least amount of money DH went out for breakfast this morning $7 and then to Dunkin Donuts for a coffee and donuts for the girls (free, he had a gift card ).

I'm very proud of myself for sticking to my list (in all three stores!) and walking right by the clearance aisles without even looking.

Good luck to everyone!
Goofygirl

Planning dinners is key for me too. And WooHoo for sticking to your lists!!!!

I am cooking up some ground beef right now for 3 meals this coming week so maybe I can aviod the drive thru trap!

I love doing that and need to myself. This week we have Scouts on Tuesday and piano on Thursday but luckily piano is after dinner but Scouts is at 6:30.

That's a great idea. It would work if I made sure to go out by myself, since half of getting a cart is usually to corral the kids

I didn't just buy all new clothes instead of washing them but we do have more than we need right now in large part because of the busted washing machine. It was a $900+washer just a year ago so I was determined to make GE honor their warranty. When I have the washer working it is going pretty much non stop. It was far easier to pick up more clothes for everyone and not need to go to the laundromat as often than to make more trips to the laundromat. DH and I work weird schedules so between that and all the other stuff going on it's hard for me to make it to the laundromat. Ugh. New machine is supposed to come Tuesday, I am SO excited.

Enjoy your new washer!!!!

I was at Target once and the girl ringing me up said "OH, I know who you are! I usually work in the cash office and I recognize your checks, very cute!" I don't think it's good that the girl from the cash office at Target recognized me by my checks

Very cute!

Go here:
http://www.vertex42.com/ExcelTemplates/personal-budget-spreadsheet.html

The spreadsheets are free, and you can easily change them to add/edit categories to fit your budget. Also, read the page the download is on... there's some great tips and links that will help and motivate you.

My favorite is the Personal Budget Spreadsheet for Excel. As you go through each month (and the rest of the year), it will show you how your spending affects your overall budget.

Good luck! I went through a "budget wake-up call" a couple of years ago. Since then, I've trimmed about $1000 each month off my regular monthly budget.

Awesome and thanks for the worksheets! I tried to make my own but ended up with VERY uneven boxes.




Good luck to everyone beginning this next work, school, activity, and everything else week!

 

[smylie1]

I had made the same New Years resolution. I know that I am a terribly free spender. I work at a school and someone is always selling purses or jewelry or home decor and I just buy buy buy! When I pick up fast food, say KFC, I never just order a meal for the family, I've gotta add some Hot Wings and Lil' Buckets, and tea...we don't need any of that! And let's not even start on the grocery store!

I'm really going to try to keep track and cut back!

 

[rentayenta]

I had made the same New Years resolution. I know that I am a terribly free spender. I work at a school and someone is always selling purses or jewelry or home decor and I just buy buy buy! When I pick up fast food, say KFC, I never just order a meal for the family, I've gotta add some Hot Wings and Lil' Buckets, and tea...we don't need any of that! And let's not even start on the grocery store!

I'm really going to try to keep track and cut back!

 

[ZPT1022]

Enjoy your new washer!!!!

definitely having a "you know you're old when" moment lately. The excitement level about the new washer is quite high.

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

definitely having a "you know you're old when" moment lately. The excitement level about the new washer is quite high.

Uh no....my big dream in life is to have my own washer and dryer. And I'm only 27...not old!

I live in an apartment. The last time I had a washer and dryer in my house was when I lived at home with my parents....I moved out in August of 2000. So 8.5 years now WITHOUT A WASHER AND DRYER! At least most of my apartments have had laundry rooms somewhere in the building. This one does not; it's about 2 blocks away.

 

[rentayenta]

definitely having a "you know you're old when" moment lately. The excitement level about the new washer is quite high.

That's how I felt when I found just the right slip cover for the couch.

Uh no....my big dream in life is to have my own washer and dryer. And I'm only 27...not old!

I live in an apartment. The last time I had a washer and dryer in my house was when I lived at home with my parents....I moved out in August of 2000. So 8.5 years now WITHOUT A WASHER AND DRYER! At least most of my apartments have had laundry rooms somewhere in the building. This one does not; it's about 2 blocks away.

I feel your pain. When we were building our house I had to use the laundromat. This is no joke: we were living with my in-laws while building and my MIL is so stingy that she made me use the laundromat. It was the middle of winter and I would have to wash our clothes, her grandchildrens' clothes, at the laundromat. Shoot me if I become that!

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

I feel your pain. When we were building our house I had to use the laundromat. This is no joke: we were living with my in-laws while building and my MIL is so stingy that she made me use the laundromat. It was the middle of winter and I would have to wash our clothes, her grandchildrens' clothes, at the laundromat. Shoot me if I become that!

That is unbelievable!

I mean, I believe you, but geez!

 

[brockscandy]

I want in!!!! I told my husband on new year's eve that I was going to try really hard to save money by eating home more and fixing budget meals. He was all for it, so I don't think he will think by doing this I am harping on him. We are not hurting by any means, but this economy is scary. I want another $10000 in our emergency fund, plus we need to save money for a new van in a year or two and I would like to do that cash only. I bought groceries on the 1st and spent $32. I haven't spend a penny since. I know we will splurge a little this month because one of daughter's is having a birthday, but if I can track it the rest of the month, we will be doing good. Good Luck everyone!!!

 

[rentayenta]

That is unbelievable!

I mean, I believe you, but geez!

I know. Mind blowing. The worst was when there was a snow storm. I made DH ask his mother if we could do laundry. She ho'ed and hummed but said yes. I insisted he do it.

I want in!!!! I told my husband on new year's eve that I was going to try really hard to save money by eating home more and fixing budget meals. He was all for it, so I don't think he will think by doing this I am harping on him. We are not hurting by any means, but this economy is scary. I want another $10000 in our emergency fund, plus we need to save money for a new van in a year or two and I would like to do that cash only. I bought groceries on the 1st and spent $32. I haven't spend a penny since. I know we will splurge a little this month because one of daughter's is having a birthday, but if I can track it the rest of the month, we will be doing good. Good Luck everyone!!!

Kandee. $10,000 more in an emergency fund is a great goal!!!!


I am adding up what we have already spend and it's so much. We needed to get 4 new tires and a new car battery so that put us over where we might usually be but that's the point of this; to get an accurate view of what's going out. My guess is that those only-needed-once-a-year things are happening more than we think.

 

[Tigge50447]

we talked about doing this, my fiance and I had to reschedule our march 09 wedding due to his job in finance doing really poorly. I want to go buy small notebooks we can each carry with us to write this all down in. He's more doing it to pay off dept. I'm doing it to save for our august disney trip and for the wedding. We already made a weekly menu since we realized we would buy food and it would go to waste before we used it all.

We also visited the local library and found out (well we already knew but never checked it out) they have DVD's you can borrow for free instead of paying $ on the video store. They are not the newest but I haven't seen every video out there. It's cheap.

~ Andrea

 

[Carrie772]

Hubby and I made a chart that lists categories of spending:

Gas, Food In, Food Out, Clothes, Gifts, Toys, Consumables (Walmart or paper stuff), pictures, occasionally house repair, etc.
Bills don't count as they are pretty constant.

Then we write at the top of each category what we have budgeted for the month. As I spend (homemaker that I am) I just subtract each time. That way I know what I have left after each purchase, and it makes it easier to see how well we did or what category needs work.

We never say we were bad or failed at the end of the month. We are not bad people. When you say you are bad a budgeting or bad at dieting, you give up more easily. The phrase "We need to work on this" makes it so much more encouraging.

I as the spender can feel guilty when we go over in a certain area, so new language really helps.

 

[brockscandy]

AARRRGGGHHH!! Just kidding. A friend of mine took my kids to Starbucks and got them Vanilla Bean Cremes. They just found out that the town we moved to has a Starbucks (we didn't have one in the town we moved from). They started hounding us about going. My husband told them last night that I would take them tomorrow. They hounded me all morning, so I took them. We sat in the drive-thru for 15 minutes, pulled up to order and they were out!!!! Is that terrrible of me? Anyway, we ended up at Sonic and got shakes. I only saved $2 on the deal, but it is still $2. Hopefully, they won't think of going again for several weeks.

Anyway, I spent $8 on ice cream and then filled up our gas tank - $15.50. Hopefully no more today.

 

[rentayenta]

we talked about doing this, my fiance and I had to reschedule our march 09 wedding due to his job in finance doing really poorly. I want to go buy small notebooks we can each carry with us to write this all down in. He's more doing it to pay off dept. I'm doing it to save for our august disney trip and for the wedding. We already made a weekly menu since we realized we would buy food and it would go to waste before we used it all.

We also visited the local library and found out (well we already knew but never checked it out) they have DVD's you can borrow for free instead of paying $ on the video store. They are not the newest but I haven't seen every video out there. It's cheap.

~ Andrea

Thanks for the library tip. I am not a huge movie person so that would be a good option for me. I am sorry you had to postpone but it sounds like it was the best thing to do. I like of idea of giving DH his own little notebook vs having to call me or write it down after being gone for 48 hours.

Much to his disliking as I could tell by his tone, he called me today and told me what he spent this morning. I am going to have to find some way of turining this into a positive for him.

Hubby and I made a chart that lists categories of spending:

Gas, Food In, Food Out, Clothes, Gifts, Toys, Consumables (Walmart or paper stuff), pictures, occasionally house repair, etc.
Bills don't count as they are pretty constant.

Then we write at the top of each category what we have budgeted for the month. As I spend (homemaker that I am) I just subtract each time. That way I know what I have left after each purchase, and it makes it easier to see how well we did or what category needs work.

We never say we were bad or failed at the end of the month. We are not bad people. When you say you are bad a budgeting or bad at dieting, you give up more easily. The phrase "We need to work on this" makes it so much more encouraging.

I as the spender can feel guilty when we go over in a certain area, so new language really helps.

I think your viewpoint is right on. Even if we go over or whatever, we are not bad, we just need to find ways to do better. That's what this thread is all about. Guilt is a wasted emotion IMHO This is all about plugging the leaks and being accountable.

AARRRGGGHHH!! Just kidding. A friend of mine took my kids to Starbucks and got them Vanilla Bean Cremes. They just found out that the town we moved to has a Starbucks (we didn't have one in the town we moved from). They started hounding us about going. My husband told them last night that I would take them tomorrow. They hounded me all morning, so I took them. We sat in the drive-thru for 15 minutes, pulled up to order and they were out!!!! Is that terrrible of me? Anyway, we ended up at Sonic and got shakes. I only saved $2 on the deal, but it is still $2. Hopefully, they won't think of going again for several weeks.

Anyway, I spent $8 on ice cream and then filled up our gas tank - $15.50. Hopefully no more today.

The dreaded Vanilla Bean Frappucino. My kids hound me for these too.

Did you know Sonic does Happy Hour from 2-4 daily on all of the drinks including shakes?

 

[paulasillars]

Much to his disliking as I could tell by his tone, he called me today and told me what he spent this morning. I am going to have to find some way of turining this into a positive for him.

Not sure if it will work but if its personal spending, lunch, drinks etc - what about giving him (and you) a weekly allowance - and once its gone, its gone?

If its household expenses, can you check your bank account to get the details instead?

I give myself an allowance, it occassionally varies such as if I have something I need but for the most part I think it keeps myself from spending on junk that I really don't need. I'm much more critical about my spending habits - a need vs a want

 

[GoldieSaysMeep]

I just started doing this is well. Sadly, most of my money goes to bills.

It costs me $50 every pay period just to park my car to go to work.

 

[tonilea]

Not sure if it will work but if its personal spending, lunch, drinks etc - what about giving him (and you) a weekly allowance - and once its gone, its gone?

If its household expenses, can you check your bank account to get the details instead?

I give myself an allowance, it occassionally varies such as if I have something I need but for the most part I think it keeps myself from spending on junk that I really don't need. I'm much more critical about my spending habits - a need vs a want

This is a great idea, but DON'T call it an allowance. Most hard working adults have very negative feelings about getting an "allowance".

When we decided on our weekly allowance or "blow money" as Dave Ramsey calls it, it was a mutal decision. We talked and decided how much money we would need for a week. We took that amount of money - in cash - and that was our allotment for the week. The kicker is you don't have to be accountable for that money. If you want to skip all your usual sodas, lunches, etc and save it for a bigger item, fine. Blow it on beer? That is fine too. You don't have to be accountable to anyone for that money, but when you are out of money, you don't go to the ATM for more. When it is gone, it is gone.