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November No-Spend Challenge ~ Come check in, it's time to get started saving money!

23K views 1K replies 96 participants last post by  vivalamama 
#1 ·
This thread is a support thread to help you ~not spend your money~. Everyone is welcome to join (we would love to have you) and you are welcome to start at any time. It doesn't have to be November 1st.

The plan is simple (although very tough to execute):

1. Vow not to spend any money on unnecessary purchases.

2. Come on here everyday and record your spending.

3. If you think that you absolutely MUST buy something, come on here and tell us about it first. Sometimes taking the time to come on here and post before you buy something will help you not buy it.

4. Provide encouragement for your fellow non-spenders and try to talk THEM out of buying things.

Good luck Ladies!!
Let's have a strong November!!! Keep that money in your wallet.

ETA: Our no-spend threads tend to get very long...if you are new and considering joining us you don't need to read the entire thread (unless you want to). Just read the first three entries and jump right in. Start your no-spending today!
 
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#858 ·
Nov 4:

Nov 5: $12 at In and Out, bought food for my photography models
Nov 6: :$26 to have an etsy mom make me a sign for my car (but that is advertising so hopefully I MAKE money from that! LOL)
Nov 7:

Nov 8:

Nov 9: $6.90 at Starbucks.
: $82 on groceries (stayed in budget, woot!)
Nov 10:

Nov 11:

Nov 12:

Nov 13: $18 whiskey and wine (on sale!)
:
Nov 14:

Nov 15:

Nov 16: 42.58 at Target for necessities (dogfood, soap, etc), $61 at Trader Joes, $8 Vons, $35 gas, $11 Petco (wound medicine) $30 on postage (but made money on ebay for that)
Nov 17:
 
#859 ·
1st
3.50 on 2 coffees
2nd

3rd
$50 Lowes; $50 Target; $11 foodstore, flowers; $13 farmstand, flowers
4th
$120 races; $40 food store; $40 gas; $15 breakfast; $3 7-11
5th
$1.75 coffee; $30 pizza and cake for ds's b-day
6th
$1.75 coffee; $15 foodstore for balloons, cake, chips for ds's b-day; $16 bagel store; $5 (pus $25 gift card) for hat and shot blocks; returned $36 worth of stuff to Lowe's
7th
Bought the kiddos fast food since realtor was coming and I couldn't clean up one more mess: $6
8th
$3 on coffee; dh bought kiddos pizza (2 slices and 2 apple juices) for $12 while we were out of the house for the realtor. This area is such a rip off!
:
9th
$41 gas; $3.80 Panera; $120 class
10th
$134 groceries; dh bought coffee, bagel, and a donut, maybe $5?
11th

12th

13th

14th
$2.82 at McDonald's for coffee for me and fries for dc; $6 on pizza for lunch; $27 at the thrift store for a skirt, pants, and dress coat; $40 at the foodstore; $44 gas. Class was cancelled though -- will get that $120 back.
15th
$10 for transcripts; $10 for sposies (the rest was a gift card); returned $28 worth of stuff to Jo-Ann's)
16th

17th
$95 groceries; lost $40
:

------------------------------------------------------------------
GOALS:
Food from the grocery store: $310/$600
Eating out: $97/$150
Coffee: $12/$30
Coat for ds1: 0/$35
Long John's for me: ??
gas: $125/$250
personal spending on whatever: $37/$100
races (DH and me): $120/$225
diapers and wipes: $38/$60
toward house: $65
lost $40

16/30 NO FAST FOOD!

15/30 NO BIG BOX STORES!


KEY:
: True no spend
Spending within budget
: Spending outside budget[/quote][/quote]
 
#860 ·
My goals for this month are:

-Stay in budget $3200
-Save $250
-Reduce our debt of $1500
-Beat my 8 no spend days in oct

My goals for this month are:

-Stay in budget $3200
-Save $250
-Reduce our debt of $1500
-Beat my 8 no spend days in oct

1-$2 parking, 32.80 gift for sil
2-pizza $22.32, $12 massage
3-

4-

5-$2 parking, groceries $209.23, $40 dh carpool
6-

7- $45 lawyer
8-$2
9- $7 ds supplies for trip, $39 gas, $29cc interest, $29 internet subscription
10- $75 property tax, car oil 4.61, $100 cash for dh trip
11-

12- $87.38 gas for roadtrip, 37.24$ cat food, 123.10$ groceries, $9.02 video, $12.74 subway
13-$2 parking, $106.27 staples
14- $191.83 xmas presents
15-$2 parking, $387 mortgage
16- $6.65 bread, $152.48 groceries, $ dinner out 50.58
17-

$1817.25/3200
-4
 
#861 ·
Catching up from the past two days, before I forget.

I'm pretty sure we're going to be
: and order pizza for dinner, though. We just finished painting the kitchen, and we can't cook anything until the paint dries and we can put the stove back where it belongs. (yes I know, I'll use just about anything to justify ordering pizza

*DH called the pizza place when I turned on the computer, so I guess that money's already been spent
*

Nov. 1- $13.32 at Natural Foods store
Nov. 2- $37.85 on pizza delivery
Nov. 3-

Nov. 4-

Nov. 5-

Nov. 6-

Nov. 7-

Nov. 8- $10.57 on fast food lunch (not budgeted), $17 on gas, $210.46 on groceries.
Nov. 9-

Nov. 10- $5 at hardware store for painting supplies, $12 at feed store for softener salt
Nov. 11-

Nov. 12-

Nov. 13-

Nov. 14- $46.75 for gas, $23 for lunch out with DH, $13 at Goodwill ($9 pants for me, $4 house decoration). All within budget.
Nov. 15- $45.42 for dairy and produce at grocery store. Also made $6 selling 2 dozen eggs at homeschool co-op.
Nov. 16-

Nov. 17- $44 for pizza delivery

My goals:
Lunch out with DH: 1/2
Stay within 15 miles of home: 13/24
No frivolous spending: 14/30
Track Grocery spending: $267.18
Track Eating out/take out spending: $115.42
Track gasoline spending: $63.75
Track spending/income on chickens: $2.02spending/$6income
 
#862 ·
11/1-
$16.73 on make-up.
11/2-
$9.15 some groceries.
11/3-

11/4-

11/5-

11/6-
$7.00 fingerprints for new job (will get reimbursed), $15 gas
11/7-

11/8-

11/9-

11/10-
$40 Gas
11/11-
$3.37 CVS for bottled water,sunflower seeds, and gum. $3.98 Target for Hair Color
11/12-
$3.24 McDonalds (
11/13-
$3.80 BOGO Kellogg's Fruit Loops- I love me some cereal! That will be my lunch for a couple of weeks.
Also,
$41 manicure today.
11/14-
$71.00 Groceries.
$26.99 Amazon for Xmas gift for DH.
11/15-
$13.52 Pampered Chef party.
11/16-
$.86 (what was owed after using gift card). I just gotta take a second and
to the almighty gift card. I had one and bought some new pjs, some slipper/socks and a dirty Santa Gift. I am going to a pajama party next month (yes I am 36 and going to a pj party). My monthly Bunko league decided we would do a December Xmas bunko with everyone buying gifts and doing a dirty Santa in our pajamas. I got cute ones with snowmen on them. Pretty festive- don't you think?
11/17-


Okay note to self (and self better listen): No spending til Tuesday or Wed when I go to the grocery store to buy stuff to make T-giving dessert
 
#863 ·
Quote:

Originally Posted by SugarAndSun View Post
UUUHHH! I am so mad. I left my wallet in my shopping cart at the foodstore and someone took it before I got back and took the money out of it.
: Man, I wish I got a coffee first, at least.
I have been so good and then I just lose the money.
:
I did that once! I left my whole purse with EVERYTHING in it (cell phone, cc's, cash, license) i had just cashed my paycheck, so I had hundreds of dollars in there. I remember comng out of the grocery store with my purse in that top part of the cart and I put my groceries in my car. There was someone waitig for my spot, so I felt rushed and just left my purse in the car. Boy did I cry and cry. I had to cancel my cards, cell phone , get a new license. This was about 7 years ago and I still remember it. Now when I go shopping, I take my time and make sure my purse is always in my view before I unload the car. iIf anyone is waiting for my spot, they can just sit and wait til I'm done or go find another place to park.
 
#864 ·
11/1: NO SPEND
11/2: 31.27 at Staples (including 14.98 for new keyboard, and other necessary office supplies); 35.00 at grocery store, including $20 for care package for niece.
11/3: $265.89 at Target (including $215 on X-Mas (still w/i budget, but close), and $40 on home essentials. $10 frivolous).
11/4 $38 and change on groceries, all necessary.
11/5 $36 on parking Exhorbitant, but necessary for driving into the city to file a complaint that could net me $$$ if it's successful.
11/6 $36.48 on groceries, plus $2 on lottery ticket ; $22.71 on gas
11/7: NO SPEND
11/8: $28 eating out (within budget); $60 to place ad for puppies (forgot to budget for this)
11/9: $36 eating out (last budgeted meal out); $125 on gift cards for X-Mas (now, I'm $50 over budget); $65.00 at Build-a-Bear (all over budget); $48 on groceries; $9 on medicine; $86 on holiday cards (I forgot to budget for this, and this is more than I wanted to spend); $13 on hat and mittens for DS2; $230 on violin rental for DD (not in budget).
11/10: NO SPEND
11/11: NO SPEND
11/12: $16 on photo development; $15 on meds and $42 on groceries
11/13: $48 on groceries, AGAIN, but returned baby hat and gloves and tub ring for $13 and $25 refund
11/14: Jury duty . . . late . . . $5 coffee and donuts. 11:30 break from ceaseless waiting, $6 on hotdog and chips, 1:00 lunch break, planned not to eat, but I've already scoured the newspaper, even the sports page, $15 Thai food, home at last, to worn out to cook, $15 pizza. Good thing I'm not doing a weight loss challenge.
11/15: $90 at hair salon, forgot to budget, but I'm just not ready to go gray yet.
11/16: NO SPEND. Plus, sold a kitty today, so there's X-Mas, hurray!
11/17: $18 for pizza, couldn't get myself out of the house today for groceries.
: But, another kitty went home today, just waiting on one more for next week!
 
#865 ·
Quote:

Originally Posted by SugarAndSun View Post
UUUHHH! I am so mad. I left my wallet in my shopping cart at the foodstore and someone took it before I got back and took the money out of it.
: Man, I wish I got a coffee first, at least.
I have been so good and then I just lose the money.
:
oh that is horrible. i'm so sorry.
 
#866 ·
11/1:
No Spend!!
11/2:
No Spend!!
11/3:
: 5.39 at Taco Bell... oops!
11/4:
No un-budgeted spending...
11/5:
No Spend!!
11/6:
: spent WAY too much.... 113 @ Gamestop and 41 at Target... technically some of the Gamestop money was part of DF's xmas gift that we forgot Sunday... and I needed bras and some toiletries.. but STILL!! I think about 70 of what we spent was necessary/budgeted....
11/7:
No un-budgeted spending... I bought a pair of jeans (my pre-preg ones will NOT button anymore), a white long sleeve (I got a bunch of short sleeve/no sleeve maternity shirts for free and with the shirt I can layer and still wear them during the winter) and a pair of pajama pants for my mom whose birthday is today

11/8:
I did spend 50 dollars on maternity clothes but that got me a pair of black pants, a pair of khakis, a pair of jeans and 15 shirts that I can wear to work!!!
11/9:
No spend! I technically spent money but my mom is reimbursing me so I don't count it!
11/10:
I spent some of my "fun money" but nothing else!
11/11:
: 10.81 at Taco Bell... I was trying to avoid it but we were out running errands and I felt like I was going to pass out so DF made me get some food..
11/12:

11/13:

11/14:
I did spend today.. and I online shopped, but I found a couple diaper deals I couldn't pass up and my mom paid for most of it
This kid has to have something for its bum...
11/15:

11/16:

11/17:


Goals:
Keep DF at under 200 cash a week: 2/4
Eat at home: 15/25
No online shopping: 16/28
No spend days: 14/25
 
#867 ·
No spend again today.
DH did mention something about going to a shoe store tomorrow, but he really needs new comfortable shoes (and I can relate since my legs hurt without proper support) so I'm okay with that.

Oh, and I managed a no-sugar day today, too. Finally!

Edited to add: I just remembered that I threw a $10 bill in DH's niece's birthday card...so I guess today was not no-spend after all! I'm a little annoyed at spending it because, at all of eleven years old, she's decided she doesn't want a family birthday party anymore. And DH's side of the family is essentially her only family. And she's mega-spoiled. And we never get any acknowledgement or thanks anyway. But I guess it's worth it to keep the peace...

10/1:
$12.60 flowers for my mom's birthday
10/2:
$23.23 gas for the car +
$62.17 actual groceries at the farm ($25 raw milk, $8.38 ham slices & $28.79 raw cheese) +
$10.58 treats at the farm ($2.73 chocolate bar, $3.90 granola bars & $3.95 egg nog)
10/3:
$14.50 entrance to the zoo +
$2.65 for candy
10/4:

10/5:

10/6:
$36.67
10/7:
$8.86 groceries
10/8:
$5 Drano for our plugged kitchen sink
10/9:

10/10:

10/11:

10/12:

10/13:
$11.37 post office to mail things I'm selling +
$45.88 hardware store for rakes, a dowel, a retractable laundry line and insulating foam +
$129.95 necessary groceries +
$29.02 non-necessary groceries
10/14:
$7 Starbucks
10/15:
$30.12 gas for the car +
$23 Thanksgiving meal supplies from the gluten-free store +
$10.65 treats from the gluten-free store
10/16:

10/17:
$10 for Dh's niece's birthday

KEY:
True no spend
Necessary spending
Unnecessary spending
 
#868 ·
11/01:
$27 on WAY over-due library fines and a book that DD ripped
:. $17.50 on costume stuff from Target's Halloween clearance. $4 on a cup for DD from Starbucks.
11/02:
no spend!
11/03:
no spend!
11/04:
no spend!
11/05:
no spend!
11/06:
no spend!
11/07:
no spend!
11/08:
$2 on hot chocolate for DD and $5 on a sandwich for me
11/09:
$50 on dinner and ice cream. We ate out on the road and spent over what we typically spend on going out to eat (like, double). We also stopped at Dairy Queen.
11/10:
no spend!
11/11:
no spend!
11/12:
no spend!
11/13:
$15 on aquarium admission
11/14:
$5 on water and treats for DD and I at Target
11/15:
no spend!
11/16:
no spend!
11/17:
$16 on drinks and snacks for DD and I on our date. $20 on new art supplies for DD.

1. 11/20 no-spend days.
2. $436/$300 on groceries and household items for Nov 9-Nov 22
3. $46.50/$0 spent on my DDs (who are in need of NOTHING!)
4. $0/$0 on the credit card
5. $319/$315 personal spending on anything I wish

KEY:
=true no-spend
=spending within the budget
=out of budget spending

Today I took my 3 yo DD out for a date, just the two of us. It was really, really important that we did this, so I don't feel bad about the money I spent at all, but since it wasn't budgeted or technically necessary, it ended up not being a no-spend day. In the future I can plan date things that don't cost money (or don't cost very much). I also realized that one thing the girl definitely need more of is art supplies, so I am going to budget that in next month so we can get them a few things. Especially my older DD. I don't think the 1 yo would care much! I want to take more time to do arts and crafts with them both, which will be incredibly beneficial to all of us. A necessary expense, I think!
 
#869 ·
Quote:

Originally Posted by SugarAndSun View Post
UUUHHH! I am so mad. I left my wallet in my shopping cart at the foodstore and someone took it before I got back and took the money out of it.
: Man, I wish I got a coffee first, at least.
I have been so good and then I just lose the money.
:
Oh man, what terrible, terrible karma that person just brought on to themselves
:. I am so sorry to hear that happened to you.
 
#870 ·
d'oh, almost put this down as a no spend day, forgetting that I just won an ebay auction for dh's birthday/christmas gift. tomorrow: birthday party for dd's friend, and collection at church, hopefully nothing else.
maybe monday will be a no spend?? I can't believe I have only 4 no spend days so far
:
I at least need to outweigh the
's with the
's... hey, a new goal! more
s than
s at the end of the month!

***********************************************
Nov 1
: $499!!! fuel pump for car, $5 kiddie gym Made $$
Nov 2
fast food (my cash) Made $$
Nov 3
in budget spending for DD's birthday party
Nov 4
toys to exchange for DDs halloween candy Made $$
Nov 5
costco, in budget,
2.50 on pizza (my cash), 8.50 candy for gma
Nov 6
groceries, under budget!, gasoline, csa
Nov 7

Nov 8

Nov 9
kids yoga class, out to dinner 28 in budget
Nov 10
+ no drive
Nov 11
+ no drive
Nov 12
snacks (my cash)
Nov 13
groceries, gasoline, christmas gifts, post office
Nov 14
$ for school field trip and $4.00 tea and pastry (my cash)
Nov 15
portraits and
3.20 happy meal for DD2 (my cash)
Nov 16
6.50 fast food
:
Nov 17
dh's gift on ebay, no drive

KEY:
no spend
in budget
unbudgeted, unplanned, or unwise

***********************************************
The Plan:
Make a weekly meal plan and stick to the grocery list 2/4
Groceries once a week only ($75 or less, not incl weekly CSA) 2/4
Fill gas once a week only on grocery day 2/4
Non-essential spending for me 36.40/$50
Current tally:
= 4
= 6

Record each purchase to track spending
Pack snacks and water every time we get in the car
Make list of Christmas 'giftees' and create holiday budget.

DD1 Birthday 117/$120 done
Give DH cash for the month for gasoline and fun money done
Only ONE stock-up trip to Costco 1/1 done
 
#871 ·
Nov. 1:

Nov. 2:

Nov. 3: $2.50 (DD's "Princesses" backpack)
Nov. 4:

Nov. 5:

Nov. 6:

Nov. 7:

Nov. 8:

Nov. 9:

Nov. 10:

Nov. 11:

Nov. 12:

Nov. 13:

Nov. 14:

Nov. 15:

Nov. 16:

Nov. 17:


$14 on takeout Chinese tonight; within budget for eating out. Meal was pretty good, but wish we had just eaten from the pantry instead.

Kim

GOALS:
* Less than $100 in frivolous spending: month to date $2.50
* At least 25
days (no spend or spending w/in budget): 16/30
* Avoid Target: 16/30
* Pack snacks/water for outings: 17/30
* NO library fines: month to date $0
* Stay within grocery budget: $418.07/$430
* Stay within eating out budget: $65.50/$80
 
#872 ·
Nov 17 - Spent nothing! Resisted the temptation to preorder On the Night you were Born by Nancy Tillman! Thought I'd throw out the title here and watch the rest of you struggle... MWAHAAAHAAA!!!
!

01 $596.78 rent/water, $407 heating oil, $3.22 winter clothes for DS. made $23.40 writing and GPT, $64 from Mom
02
, saved $6.73 cell bill adjustment
03

04

05

06 $367.50 tuition, $30 rug for DS's room, $25 groceries
07

08 $6.39 gas bill, $11.49 groceries, $16.21 DS winter clothes, $5 present. Saved $23.61 on gas, found $200!
09

10 $25.64 presents
11

12 $54.06 presents, $42.50 unbudgeted but necessary bill
13
, made $16 on TP
14 $25 groceries--incl. dish soap and wipes, $10 book and CDS from TP--unbudgeted treat for me. Made $20 on TP
15 $11.78 groceries. Made $5.67 web writing
16 $45 QT session for joint pain--necessary but not budgeted
17


Totals:
No spend: 9/30
Budgeted spending: 7/30
$73.27/240 groceries (tracking to create accurate grocery budget)
Unbudgeted, necessary spending: 2/30 $42.50 unexpected bill, $45 QT session for pain relief
Unbudgeted, unnecessary spending: 2/30 $9.70 over budget on bday/Christmas presents, $10 on book and CDs for me
Made/saved $: 6/30

Budgeted extras:
$20: DS Christmas pics and frames
$84.70/75 presents: BIL left
$0/50 HH/swap shipping (not really budgeted... Added last minute. Calling it necessary b/c I committed to it.)
 
#873 ·
Nov. 1 -
:$50 for faxes, $16.49 for lunch {chines buffet place that ups my milk supply with their yummy wonton soup}, $55 for brakes, and $30.12 at goodwill {mostly for x-mas gifts}
Nov. 2 -
$8.36 at Wendys {needed to eat with medication}, $35 at Sun Harvest {all need items really}. Made $56 selling old baby items on craigslist
Nov. 3 -
$10 FOL book Sale {new books NOT from china for DD} Made $20 in Survey Checks
Nov. 4 -
{some spending but I didn't do it! Gramma went shopping}
Nov. 5 -
$17.29 at Mcdonalds {We had been out since 8am, and DD had to have blood draws done - after which she wouldn't let go of me at all - thus the fast food.}
Nov. 6 -
$184 for groceries {pretty good considering my bill before coupons was $342!). $20 at the thrift {Christmas presents - budget spending!}. $60 for Perscriptions {budgeted but now my medicaid is through so I won't have to pay this again for a while!}
Nov. 7 -
: $42 at Walmart {christmas supplies}
Nov. 8 -
:$2 Michaels {needle I needed for DD's christmas gifts}, $48 Chinese Restraunt {whole family plus guest from out of town}, $100 loan to friend stuck in town with no cash {will pay back ASAP}
Nov. 9th -
$4.66 food {quickstop}, $185 for groceries at Target {Was $385 for 3 shopping carts full before coupons}, $35.02 Gas {Budgeted}. Made $5 in Survey checks.
Nov. 10 -
:$43 at a yard Sale {Toddler bed, mattress & bedding for DD, Private school uniforms to re-sell}, $46 at Walgreens {Various deals and an iron supplement for DD since medicaid won't cover a perscription one.
:}, $1.84 at McDonalds {fries for DD - she asked and we've been so desperate to get her to eat anything}
Nov. 11 -
$3.47 at CVS for clorox wipes to clean DD's new toddler bed with. Made $40 from selling a crib & bouncer on craigslist
Nov. 12 -

Nov. 13 -
$100 at Grocery Store {Stuck to list though! Saved $50 off origional total by using coupons}, $7 at McDonalds {Again, DD asked and she eats so little that we indulge her}.
Nov. 14 -
:$20 at Sonic for food & drinks after picking up DD's WIC. Made $5 in surveys
Nov. 15 - $10 at cafe, $9 at mcdonalds, $74 at target {2 shopping carts full - saved $125 with coupons}
Nov. 16 -
: $450 ship for DD's formula {24 cans} on ebay {she gets one from WIC, but it's not the exact one we need so we buy off ebay & sell the WIC ones}, $55 at the local thrift {gifts}. Made $15 in Surveys
Nov. 17 -
$25 for food at Powwow, $20 at Walgreens.

Key:
True no spend
Spending within budget
:Spending outside budget

November Goals:
no spend days 3/15
Eat at home Days 5/20
Stick to the List Days {We grocery Game} 7/20
Craiglist money made 106/100
Surveys money made 65.35/?
 
#874 ·
UGH. We had friends over last night for dinner. They always want to cook, never want to get take out. In fact, they are often snotty about take out, as thought it's beneath them. Well, now the woman in the couple is preg and guess what she wanted, Chinese. I offered to cook, said I wanted to cook, please could we cook. She said her DH didn't want to cook, I said I would do the actual cooking and she was like, Um, no, I don't want that (we hadn't said what, so I'm sort of taking it personally. And if you knew her, you'd see what I mean.). So that annoyed me, $20. It wasn't even good and they got our order wrong.

And this same couple had picked up a bottle of wine for us a month ago and they were finally giving it to us. It was $12, we had given them $20. Do you think we got change? Of course not. Oh, and this is the same couple that we had a joint yard sale with last year and they held the $ so that we could go out to dinner one night with it (not what I wanted to do, but he "forgot" to keep track of what was mine), and we never went. Whenever we bring it up, they just look at each other and change the subject. I'm so aggravated.

Other than that, I didn't spend and I didn't drive. DH went out and got a Chrstmas present, but I'm not counting those.

$23.73/$50 mad money
$319.81/$300 groceries
$194.06/$200 eating out

1/4 no drive
1/5 no spend
 
#875 ·
November 11th: $161 (book I will return, outfit, eye cream dp and I both use)

November 12th: my 30th birthday! $100 retainer to lawyer to form our new company (I'm the President, whee!), $2.12 for DVDs to copy wedding photos, $2 parking, $29 bar tab.

November 13th: no-drive, no-spend. MIL returned my Spenser novel (the newest one, Now and Then) to Costco and put the $$ back on my card.

November 14th: $30 budgeted spend on frames for the Xmas present pictures. MIL bought lunch. I called to turn on our utilities and cable, but won't get charged for any of that until we close on the house next month.

November 15th: Went to the zoo. Admission was covered by reciprocal membership, but we spent $8 on tokens to ride the carousel. A good day!

November 16th: $70 grocery order, $2.12 for still more DVDs to copy wedding pics, $54 taking ds to hibachi grill (he loved it!).

November 17th: Traveling. $8.60 for airport breakfast, $100 for transport back to the house, $230 to petsitter.

November 18th: Hello, jetlagged! Went through all our random plastic to toss expired and pull out gift cards. Put gift cards in purse. Cooked a greasy breakfast at home instead of giving in to Denny's cravings. $69 for massage to address shooting back/arm pain from flight. $3.08 for more groceries after using Fred Meyer gift card. Dinner will be off Subway points card. I love these things!

GOALS:

Kid's Xmas gifts: 29/150
Xmas gifts for others: 30/100
Groceries: 70/100
 
#876 ·
So that whole no-spend weekend thing isn't happening. And there will be yet more spending today, as I need to replace some gifts destroyed by my foster dog. But, on the bright side, I got an unexpected $69 check in the mail, and I can easily do my gift replacements for that. And maybe pay shipping...maybe.

Nov 17: $15 Tuesday Morning, gift, from joint; $30ish GW, from checking, $5 Starbucks, from cash.
Nov 16: $9 kolaches, from joint. $6 coffee and snacks, cash. $10 craft store, paint, from joint; $83 groceries, from joint; $35 gas, from joint.
Nov 15: $30 post office, from checking; $5 coffee, cash; $35 Goodwill, gifts but not budgeted ones, from checking; $25 other Goodwill, unbudgeted gifts, from checking; $38 Ross, gifts and pajamas for myself, from checking; $30 prescription, from checking; $5 McDonalds, from joint. Bah.
Nov 14: $21 cat food, from joint; $30 takeout, from joint.
Nov 13: $6 McDonald's, cash. $65 groceries, coop, from joint.
Nov 12: $8 on coffee and pastry, reward for myself, from cash. $153 at the vet finding out Illly is pregnant, from joint. $445 to Amex to pay off card, from checking. $445 on Visa for Christmas dog sitting (will be reimbursed).
Nov 11: Today is going to be an actual no-spend, I swear. Later: so much for no spending. $92 at Target on housewares, groceries, and stuff to make my mom a care package (she's having surgery next week). Unplanned, from joint.
Nov 10: paid some monthly bills: $400 car payment, about $100 gas, $108.76cable, $56 internet, all from joint. Decided to only pay min. on CC this month due to extra holiday expenses, so $142 from checking to CC. Spent $12 at the GW on Christmas stuff, from checking.
Nov 9: $8 at pharmacy for Mark's drugs (he's sick); $10 on kolaches, joint; $33 groceries, joint; $23 Etsy, from money in Paypal.
Nov 8: $33 co-op, groceries, from joint.
Nov 7: $35 on a book for myself online, from checking, not budgeted; $5 on a flu shot and $5 on coffee, cash.
Nov 6: Today is going to sound really bad, but it's not that terrible. I spent $850 on Visa to make Thanksgiving reservations, but that will be reimbursed. I also spent $11 joint on some dishes at the Goodwill and $6 on lunch. And $20 on sterling silver chains, partially for me and partially for a Christmas present, from checking.
Nov 5: Gah! It was almost a no-spend, but then I had to get gas. $36, on gas card (gets paid by joint acct. each month). In budget.
Nov 4: $55 dog food, $33 groceries, both joint.
Nov 3: $8 McDonalds, cash; $13 Goodwill, checking; $168 art show, joint; $25 pizza, cash; $20 dog fee, cash (will be reimbursed). Art show clearly not budgeted...
Nov 2: $35 Xmas gift for my partner, from checking, w/in budget; $2 Goodwill, cash. All w/in buget.
Nov 1: $30 charitable giving, from checking; $11 Savers gifts, from checking; $2 Pepsi, from cash; $15 co-op groceries, from joint; $4 library fines, from cash. All w/in budget.

November budget update:

To joint account: $2,000/$2,000.00
To student loan: $0/$257.60
To savings: $100/$100.00
To charity: $30/$50.00
To Visa: $212.26/$184.20
To Discover: $142/$500.00
To Amex: $445/$0
Cash: $100/$100.00
Christmas presents: $96/$100.00
Unbudgeted spending: $203/$0

November goals:

1. STICK TO BUDGET!!
2. No new credit card purchases, aside from Christmas plane tickets.
3. Finish closing out all old CC accounts (I think I may have a big enough credit to buy said plane tix, but I'm not sure).
4. Continue excellent trend of not buying coffee or lunch at work. Aim for no more than 1 coffee/week and 1 lunch/week.
5. Thrift for Christmas presents.
 
#877 ·
Nov 1
$14.00
Nov 2 $24.13 groceries
Nov 3
$0
Nov 4
$0
Nov 5 $10 Dr. Co-pay
Nov 6 $70 haircut and hair supplies $50.17 groceries
:
Nov 7 $44 dinner
Nov 8
$0
Nov 9 $26.27 groceries
Nov 10
$0
Nov 11
$0
Nov 12 $5.00 Starbucks
Nov 13
$0
Nov 14 $31.85 breakfast with a friend
Nov 15 $36.35 pizza
Nov 16 $139.71 holiday gifts
Nov 17 $14 dinner
Nov 18
$0 I'm putting this in early but I'm just flying up to see family with DS today.

$231.77/$400 groceries
$223.71/$300 household
7/15 no spend days
4/8 meals out
 
#878 ·
11/1-
$16.73 on make-up.
11/2-
$9.15 some groceries.
11/3-

11/4-

11/5-

11/6-
$7.00 fingerprints for new job (will get reimbursed), $15 gas
11/7-

11/8-

11/9-

11/10-
$40 Gas
11/11-
$3.37 CVS for bottled water,sunflower seeds, and gum. $3.98 Target for Hair Color
11/12-
$3.24 McDonalds (
11/13-
$3.80 BOGO Kellogg's Fruit Loops- I love me some cereal! That will be my lunch for a couple of weeks.
Also,
$41 manicure today.
11/14-
$71.00 Groceries.
$26.99 Amazon for Xmas gift for DH.
11/15-
$13.52 Pampered Chef party.
11/16-
$.86 (what was owed after using gift card). I just gotta take a second and
to the almighty gift card. I had one and bought some new pjs, some slipper/socks and a dirty Santa Gift. I am going to a pajama party next month (yes I am 36 and going to a pj party). My monthly Bunko league decided we would do a December Xmas bunko with everyone buying gifts and doing a dirty Santa in our pajamas. I got cute ones with snowmen on them. Pretty festive- don't you think?
11/17-

1118-
It's early. I went to church and came straight home and put my car in the garage. So since my car is in the garage, that's it for the day. I have nothing I need anyway.


Okay note to self (and self better listen): No spending til Tuesday or Wed when I go to the grocery store to buy stuff to make T-giving dessert[/QUOTE]
 
#879 ·
I don't even want to talk about it.

Nov 18: $11 Sun Harvest, joint; $42 Target, joint; $9 Tuesday Morning, joint; $16 Petsmart, joint; $45 Ross, checking; $13 USPS, checking; $9 Big Lots, checking.
Nov 17: $15 Tuesday Morning, gift, from joint; $30ish GW, from checking, $5 Starbucks, from cash.
Nov 16: $9 kolaches, from joint. $6 coffee and snacks, cash. $10 craft store, paint, from joint; $83 groceries, from joint; $35 gas, from joint.
Nov 15: $30 post office, from checking; $5 coffee, cash; $35 Goodwill, gifts but not budgeted ones, from checking; $25 other Goodwill, unbudgeted gifts, from checking; $38 Ross, gifts and pajamas for myself, from checking; $30 prescription, from checking; $5 McDonalds, from joint. Bah.
Nov 14: $21 cat food, from joint; $30 takeout, from joint.
Nov 13: $6 McDonald's, cash. $65 groceries, coop, from joint.
Nov 12: $8 on coffee and pastry, reward for myself, from cash. $153 at the vet finding out Illly is pregnant, from joint. $445 to Amex to pay off card, from checking. $445 on Visa for Christmas dog sitting (will be reimbursed).
Nov 11: Today is going to be an actual no-spend, I swear. Later: so much for no spending. $92 at Target on housewares, groceries, and stuff to make my mom a care package (she's having surgery next week). Unplanned, from joint.
Nov 10: paid some monthly bills: $400 car payment, about $100 gas, $108.76cable, $56 internet, all from joint. Decided to only pay min. on CC this month due to extra holiday expenses, so $142 from checking to CC. Spent $12 at the GW on Christmas stuff, from checking.
Nov 9: $8 at pharmacy for Mark's drugs (he's sick); $10 on kolaches, joint; $33 groceries, joint; $23 Etsy, from money in Paypal.
Nov 8: $33 co-op, groceries, from joint.
Nov 7: $35 on a book for myself online, from checking, not budgeted; $5 on a flu shot and $5 on coffee, cash.
Nov 6: Today is going to sound really bad, but it's not that terrible. I spent $850 on Visa to make Thanksgiving reservations, but that will be reimbursed. I also spent $11 joint on some dishes at the Goodwill and $6 on lunch. And $20 on sterling silver chains, partially for me and partially for a Christmas present, from checking.
Nov 5: Gah! It was almost a no-spend, but then I had to get gas. $36, on gas card (gets paid by joint acct. each month). In budget.
Nov 4: $55 dog food, $33 groceries, both joint.
Nov 3: $8 McDonalds, cash; $13 Goodwill, checking; $168 art show, joint; $25 pizza, cash; $20 dog fee, cash (will be reimbursed). Art show clearly not budgeted...
Nov 2: $35 Xmas gift for my partner, from checking, w/in budget; $2 Goodwill, cash. All w/in buget.
Nov 1: $30 charitable giving, from checking; $11 Savers gifts, from checking; $2 Pepsi, from cash; $15 co-op groceries, from joint; $4 library fines, from cash. All w/in budget.

November budget update:

To joint account: $2,000/$2,000.00
To student loan: $0/$257.60
To savings: $100/$100.00
To charity: $30/$50.00
To Visa: $212.26/$184.20
To Discover: $142/$500.00
To Amex: $445/$0
Cash: $100/$100.00
Christmas presents: $96/$100.00
Unbudgeted spending: $266/$0

November goals:

1. STICK TO BUDGET!!
2. No new credit card purchases, aside from Christmas plane tickets.
3. Finish closing out all old CC accounts (I think I may have a big enough credit to buy said plane tix, but I'm not sure).
4. Continue excellent trend of not buying coffee or lunch at work. Aim for no more than 1 coffee/week and 1 lunch/week.
5. Thrift for Christmas presents.
 
#880 ·
November 1 -
No spend day
November 2 -
about $12 in budgeted spending today.
November 3 -
No spend day
November 4 -
only budgeted spending today
November 5 -
did a bit of budgeted spending today
November 6 -
unplanned breakfast purchase today - went out for fast food for dinner, but that was a planned playdate
November 7 -
sad face already - couldn't resist the smell of those nice hot bagels
November 8 -
Very bad day again. Spent on food and a multitude of other items
November 9 -
I have to do better this weekend
November 10 -
Giving myself a smiley for the day even though we ordered in dinner (I put it in the grocery spend budget). I spent the entire day decluttering and got rid of a ton of junk so I deserved a little treat.
November 11 -
a really good day. Almost a no spend but had to pay for some budgeted postage.
November 12 -
Spent a ton of money today buying the rest of the stuff to finish the powder room we have been renovating for 5 months. This was budgeted and I am very excited to see how it will look when it is all done. Did a bit of other spending but it was all within budget with the exception of my coffee & bagel this morning. But, I figured since it was my big day out without the kids I would treat myself
:
November 13 -
No comment
November 14 -
Bought breakfast and lunch
November 15 -
No spend day!
November 16 -
bought lunch today and a chocolate bar
:
November 17 -
I really shouldn't leave the house. Whenever I do I spend money.

$352.31/$400 Groceries (this is quite a bit less than we normally spend, but really want to eat out of the pantry/freezer this month)
$100.72/$50 for misc coffee, snacks, lunches out etc.
:
$15.98/$50 misc stuff for kids
$50/$50 toiletries/cleaning supplies
No spend 3/10
No restaurant/take-out 8/20
 
#881 ·
Nov. 1 - $9 groceries, $16 DH's homeopathic remedies, $20 car wash and detail
Nov. 2 -

Nov. 3 - made $30 on Craigslist but spent $16 @ Natural Family Fair, $17 groceries
Nov. 4 - $7 natural toothpaste
Nov. 5 -

Nov. 6 - DH $70 groceries
Nov. 7 - $10 groceries for stuff DH forgot
Nov. 8 -

Nov. 9 -

Nov. 10 -

Nov. 11 - $137 groceries, $37 office supplies, $27 books, $32 mittens
Nov. 12 - $20 laundry detergent, but that will last 6 mo. Taking out of groc budget
Nov. 13 -

Nov. 14 -

Nov. 15 -

Nov. 16 -

Nov. 17 - $32 breakfast out for me & DH, $6 newspapers & magazines, $40 makeup, $40 gas

$36/50 discretionary spending
$263/350 groceries
$70/$100 Gas
$172 over budget

Yesterday was not a good day. I cannot see $ in my bank account without spending it. Never mind that I am going to need gas for the rest of the month and I need to save $ for Christmas and flying to Albequerque for a wedding. Our savings for the down payment is going well since it's priority #1 and paid into the mutual fund on the first just like rent, but managing my own spending money is not going well at all!!!

I thought the danger zones for me this month would be weekdays - buying breakfasts, lunches, or snacks at work but I've been able to avoid this one by using a ridiculous level of meal planning. Clearly I need to get a plan for the weekends as well!

I'm feeling crappy about the makeup one. I've been wearing makeup lately and I wanted to get a non-toxic makeup remover. I paid $18 for an OK one and felt not that bad about it, until I looked at the label at home - "Made in Israel." Wow, does it get any more un-sustainable that that - shipping makeup remover thousands of miles and using vegetable extracts probably sourced from a desert country and poured into a plastic case, all to remove ornamental face paint...and then paying $18 for the privilege of not poisoning myself while doing so. Sheesh, if I'm going to pay $18 I can get a boutique local brand. BTW....it works great
:.
 
#882 ·
Quote:

Originally Posted by nina_yyc View Post
I'm feeling crappy about the makeup one. I've been wearing makeup lately and I wanted to get a non-toxic makeup remover. I paid $18 for an OK one and felt not that bad about it, until I looked at the label at home - "Made in Israel." Wow, does it get any more un-sustainable that that - shipping makeup remover thousands of miles and using vegetable extracts probably sourced from a desert country and poured into a plastic case, all to remove ornamental face paint...and then paying $18 for the privilege of not poisoning myself while doing so. Sheesh, if I'm going to pay $18 I can get a boutique local brand. BTW....it works great
:.
Could you use olive oil -- or something similar -- instead? That's what I use.
 
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