Stingy May

[bucketsofrain]

Okay, the title is a bit of a joke, but I really need a frugal thread for May since I am not happy with my savings rate. I am missing a week of work this month due to travel and am cutting my hours, so my paycheck will be smaller than usual. As for the trip, I am not going to do anything drastically different than I planned, but I will stay within what I've already saved for it.

My biggest expenses are food, drink, and restaurants. I am hoping to have a very low spend grocery month because I stocked up on pantry things in April. I know I am meeting an out of town friend for dinner near the end of May, but I'll brainstorm ways to keep that cheaper but still enjoyable for my friend (he has never been here before and would like to try a local restaurant). As for drinking, drinking less will only be better for me.

Let's do this!

[EDSMedS]

I challenge thee to eat only raw food for 5 days this month: nuts, veggies, fruits, etc.

Be ye strong enough?

[PoutineLover]

I need to do this challenge. I had a very expensive April, due to paying professional dues and a last minute trip to see friends, and some frivolous expenditures while I was there. I also have a trip planned this month, but it should be cheaper. I'm going to try not to buy any clothes, not eat out, and not buy any alcohol. My goal is to spend under $1500 this month, all in. With bills at 900, that gives me 600 for groceries and everything else.

[bucketsofrain]

I need to do this challenge. I had a very expensive April, due to paying professional dues and a last minute trip to see friends, and some frivolous expenditures while I was there. I also have a trip planned this month, but it should be cheaper. I'm going to try not to buy any clothes, not eat out, and not buy any alcohol. My goal is to spend under $1500 this month, all in. With bills at 900, that gives me 600 for groceries and everything else.

Awesome! I will make $1500 my goal too, excluding my trip, which is saved for already. My rent is $875, my health insurance $175, and a medicine I need to take $137, so this will be tight, but I'm excited about the challenge.

May 1: 875 (rent)

Total spend: 875/1500

[Nederstash]

Definitely in. April was horrific for me. On top of that, I just got a parking ticket. Yikes, another 63 down the drain. My goal is to eat down the pantry and spend only 80 on groceries. I have a small tax return coming in this week, I'll use that for the parking ticket and new running shoes. The rest goes to savings.

[bucketsofrain]

My dad's birthday is toward the end of the month. A while ago, I found an amazing gift for him, and my brother and I decided to go in on it together, so I purchased that today.

May 1: 875 (rent)
May 2: 25.50 (birthday gift)

Total spend: 900.50/1500

[PoutineLover]

My dad's birthday is also at the end of the month :) I need to get him something, and my sister is graduating, so I should probably also get her something. I will be seeing both of them on my trip, so I'll probably get something when I'm there, but ideas for something cheap(ish) and nice are welcome!
Spend so far: rent 725, internet 65.48 and gym 12
802.48/1500