Author Topic: Frugal February  (Read 8263 times)

ixtap

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Frugal February
« on: January 31, 2020, 09:09:38 PM »
I feel like I need to get back to the basics and reground myself.

January was all insurance bills, membership renewals, donations, and more fast food than would be healthy for two or three people, much less myself.

In our household, DH is exempt from challenges, and most especially this one. He has his moments, but he doesn't have any spending habits that get out of control, whereas I have had branded lattes at least twice this week.

Who is in for Frugal February?

Sailor Sam

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #1 on: January 31, 2020, 09:59:27 PM »
Me!

My biggest bugaboo is fancy coffee and eating out, but I’m suddenly the owner of a very tender tummy. I’m off restaurants and coffee, and onto cheap n’ bland carbs. It will be interesting to see what happens to the spending.


mspym

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #2 on: January 31, 2020, 10:18:03 PM »
I'm in!

SailingOnASmallSailboat

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #3 on: February 01, 2020, 08:21:58 AM »
I'm in. With caveats on my part.

We know we've got a big medical (daughter wisdom teeth out; likely $700+ out of pocket) and at least one big purchase (new sails) for the boat. Focus here is on reining in grocery spending which was out of control last month.

ixtap

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #4 on: February 01, 2020, 08:50:10 AM »
I'm in. With caveats on my part.

We know we've got a big medical (daughter wisdom teeth out; likely $700+ out of pocket) and at least one big purchase (new sails) for the boat. Focus here is on reining in grocery spending which was out of control last month.

It seems a good time of year to order those sails, don't want to put it off too long

We will likely order a storm sail this year, but DH has strong opinions on that so he will have to make time to do it.

We will also be replacing our propane stove and the rest of the system.

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #5 on: February 01, 2020, 09:31:09 AM »
Wow, yes our January was put of control for no good reason. Need to reign it in for February.  Historically January is a very low spend month for us coming off of the holiday eating and spending so trying to move it over one month.

centwise

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #6 on: February 01, 2020, 02:18:23 PM »
Came here looking for a frugal February challenge and found it! My savings rate really dropped in Dec/Jan (holidays, birthdays, new-baby gifts, theatre tickets, and paying for daughter's pricey lessons). Feb needs to be different.

My challenge for Feb: I'd like to see how many days I can go with zero spending. I know that I have to renew my gym membership on Feb 15, so I have planned for that and am omitting it from consideration. But other than that: my house is full of food, the gas tank is full, and I have no spendy social obligations for the next few weeks.

And when I do have to spend, I'll attempt to scrounge up some petty cash to cover it (e.g. a jar of coins, get bottle deposit refunds, etc.). [No side gig here.]

So here goes:

Aim: at least two weeks of no spending.

Feb 1. Spending so far: $0. Wish me "luck" (= discipline).

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #7 on: February 01, 2020, 02:26:01 PM »
I'm in. My discretionary spending went off the rails in January. As a result, I'm now using my debit card for purchases and I've removed all my credit cards from my Amazon account.

ixtap

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #8 on: February 01, 2020, 02:45:04 PM »
@centwise , is that two straight weeks of no spending?! That would be impressive. I can often have 14 or more no spend days in a month, but I don't think we have ever gone a full two weeks without hitting the grocery store.


@ApacheStache , I think "no discretionary spending" is a good way to put my goal.


DH made a request from the pharmacy. I made it there and back without picking up anything except the requested item.

mspym

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #9 on: February 01, 2020, 03:01:50 PM »
I have managed to have the same $5 note in my wallet for 3 weeks now. I do have to grocery shop today so challenge is to make a list and only purchase what is on the list and then take credit/debit cards out of my wallet for the week.

SailingOnASmallSailboat

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #10 on: February 01, 2020, 05:06:39 PM »
@ixtap we're doing a complete refit of the boat (ripped out galley and chart table areas down to bare fiberglass). Figure we'd better pay for a lot of the project while DH still has a solid income. (Or at least the outflow is easier to stomach, though we've planned for all of it.) We are doing most of the work ourselves; tomorrow the new chart table bulkhead goes in!!!

We're ordering a new jib and a cruising code zero.

ixtap

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #11 on: February 01, 2020, 05:12:35 PM »
@ixtap we're doing a complete refit of the boat (ripped out galley and chart table areas down to bare fiberglass). Figure we'd better pay for a lot of the project while DH still has a solid income. (Or at least the outflow is easier to stomach, though we've planned for all of it.) We are doing most of the work ourselves; tomorrow the new chart table bulkhead goes in!!!

We're ordering a new jib and a cruising code zero.

Oooohhhhh we still haven't decided on our light wind sail.

We are happy with the furnishings themselves, but have had to reinsulate the refrigerator. While we were living aboard. I hope you aren't living aboard!

Sailor Sam

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #12 on: February 02, 2020, 04:44:37 AM »
Man, all this boat talk is making me happy. Though, @ixtap & @SailingOnASmallSailboat, label your porn, eh?

Yesterday was frugally successful. I went to the gym, realized I’m injured in a completely new and enraging way, went home and was so wroth the only thing I could do was take a nap then eat dinner at 9pm. Upside, zero spend day.

SailingOnASmallSailboat

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #13 on: February 02, 2020, 08:29:58 AM »
@ixtap we're doing a complete refit of the boat (ripped out galley and chart table areas down to bare fiberglass). Figure we'd better pay for a lot of the project while DH still has a solid income. (Or at least the outflow is easier to stomach, though we've planned for all of it.) We are doing most of the work ourselves; tomorrow the new chart table bulkhead goes in!!!

We're ordering a new jib and a cruising code zero.

Oooohhhhh we still haven't decided on our light wind sail.

We are happy with the furnishings themselves, but have had to reinsulate the refrigerator. While we were living aboard. I hope you aren't living aboard!

(still trying to figure out the quoting thing - not even sure how to label my #boatporn, @Sailor Sam !)

@ixtap - Jamie over at SailingTotem makes a really strong case for a CCZ, so we're 90%+ of the way towards that call.

Thank god we're not living aboard. Holy crap the mess on the boat. Oy. We've traded some labor (plus power costs, but as of yet have not been handed a bill) for the use of a house 8 minutes away from the boat until sailing season starts again in mid-April. House has a killer screen porch with roll down vinyl panels (can you say WORKSHOP!). Trying to get the interior at least "livable" by then as well as use up the massive building materials on the porch before we have to move out. Did I mention we're about to put our house, which is 3 hours away from here, on the market?

We've had the boat for 28 years and have cruised her extensively a few times, so the redo is based on what we know we want. Last time we took off we had both kids aboard and this time it's back to just us.

ixtap

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #14 on: February 02, 2020, 08:40:38 AM »
#boatporn for @Sailor Sam . I assume the label you wanted was so that you could get in on it!

@SailingOnASmallSailboat , are you getting a sock or furling chute?

No boating this weekend, as DH is working and when he does have time off, we are going to a super bowl party with his colleagues. We are taking hard cider and non alcoholic sparkling cider that have been sitting in our cupboards for ages. So, frugal and decluttering!

SailingOnASmallSailboat

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #15 on: February 02, 2020, 08:49:43 AM »
#boatporn for @Sailor Sam . I assume the label you wanted was so that you could get in on it!

@SailingOnASmallSailboat , are you getting a sock or furling chute?

No boating this weekend, as DH is working and when he does have time off, we are going to a super bowl party with his colleagues. We are taking hard cider and non alcoholic sparkling cider that have been sitting in our cupboards for ages. So, frugal and decluttering!

CCZ is available only in the furling chute, as far as we can figure out.

We just declined a last minute invite to a super bowl gathering - we're doing a 21 day detox thing and I just went shopping for food PLUS I'd be so tempted. Being frugal with food and with my health on that decision. Good for you on the frugal and decluttering part!

Off to shape foam, then it's fiberglass time. We should have a bulkhead in place by this afternoon.

PMG

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #16 on: February 02, 2020, 11:25:14 AM »
I am coming here with indistinct goals, but I really want to be part of the group and be encouraged and goaded by your successes!

I've barely even paid attention to where our money is going for the past several months.  We're eating out frequently and in general out of routine.  Using the dryer!  Doing second and third loads of laundry because we forgot an item.  Making extra trips to the shop...

Here's my excuses.  I took on a huge work project in September with extra long hours, physically demanding, and stressful.  That's when I kind of stopped cooking and packing lunches.  Now, I'm 15 weeks pregnant.  I've been really sick so far.  The kitchen makes me sick.  I'm a grouchy mess.  I don't exercise at all now. Then I started a new job two weeks ago.  Oh.  And we're buying a house.

Can I make some goals out of this rambling mess?  I can't exclude all shopping as some house and clothing things will be necessities.  At this point even some eating out is a necessity.

But I need to get some routine and regain some healthy habits. 

I want to go on two walks this week. 

I want to pack my lunch at least three days this week. 

I want to cook a curry.

I want to bake or make some kind of treat for my spouse.







ixtap

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #17 on: February 02, 2020, 11:44:58 AM »
@PMG , it sounds like just tracking would be a good goal for you!

Whatever you decide, please share it with us.

Gin1984

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #18 on: February 02, 2020, 02:07:42 PM »
I'm in, January was a very expensive month for us.  We did not make our monthly savings goal for our down payment.  Time to get serious!

ixtap

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #19 on: February 02, 2020, 04:07:22 PM »
DH thought he needed to stop for stuff for his lunch salad, but I found a substitute in the freezer. This isn't going to hold much longer; all we have left in the freezer are ice packs and butter. And he can't eat dairy.

mspym

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #20 on: February 02, 2020, 04:39:35 PM »
I have managed to have the same $5 note in my wallet for 3 weeks now. I do have to grocery shop today so challenge is to make a list and only purchase what is on the list and then take credit/debit cards out of my wallet for the week.
We walked to the supermarket, bought only what was on the list, and carried it home in our backpacks.  *think* that we can keep our total food spending this week under $100, including buying 6l of milk for teen boys.

Gin1984

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #21 on: February 02, 2020, 05:04:41 PM »
I am coming here with indistinct goals, but I really want to be part of the group and be encouraged and goaded by your successes!

I've barely even paid attention to where our money is going for the past several months.  We're eating out frequently and in general out of routine.  Using the dryer!  Doing second and third loads of laundry because we forgot an item.  Making extra trips to the shop...

Here's my excuses.  I took on a huge work project in September with extra long hours, physically demanding, and stressful.  That's when I kind of stopped cooking and packing lunches.  Now, I'm 15 weeks pregnant.  I've been really sick so far.  The kitchen makes me sick.  I'm a grouchy mess.  I don't exercise at all now. Then I started a new job two weeks ago.  Oh.  And we're buying a house.

Can I make some goals out of this rambling mess?  I can't exclude all shopping as some house and clothing things will be necessities.  At this point even some eating out is a necessity.

But I need to get some routine and regain some healthy habits. 

I want to go on two walks this week. 

I want to pack my lunch at least three days this week. 

I want to cook a curry.

I want to bake or make some kind of treat for my spouse.
My husband took over most of the cooking when I was pregnant.  Could your spouse?

Serendip

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #22 on: February 02, 2020, 07:32:41 PM »
I'm in for some February frugality!

We are travelling overseas for 10 days (14th-23rd) so while I have the time off work,  I am a plus+1 with my SO so am not really paying much for this trip. Just have to keep associated costs low.

Today was a work day & a no-spend day.
Will aim for at least 10-15 no spend days this month. I've been using my credit card too much so might remove it from my wallet (the bill gets paid off but I don't like the casual nature of card tapping..even though it's convenient)

Tomorrow I am making cabbage/tofu wontons and already have most ingredients and since I have the next few days off of work will try to do some baking/cooking so I am not tempted to grab things when I'm out.

*just realized I spent $36 on a bottle of wine for a dinner party & $2 on a cookie on Feb 1st..so indulgent that I blocked it out of my memory!*
« Last Edit: February 03, 2020, 12:59:23 PM by Serendip »

Sailor Sam

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #23 on: February 02, 2020, 07:43:38 PM »
1-Feb
- $300 on rent

2-Feb
- $46 on groceries. Including some fancy pants jarred broth, because #peptic ulcer. I ain’t starting from carcass.
- $3   on socializing. It was Starbucks tea, okay? OKAY? God, Becky.

Running Total:
$346

centwise

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #24 on: February 03, 2020, 10:43:53 AM »

Hi Ixtap,

@centwise , is that two straight weeks of no spending?! That would be impressive. I can often have 14 or more no spend days in a month, but I don't think we have ever gone a full two weeks without hitting the grocery store.


Yes that's the plan! I'm not sure if I can make it, but my fallback position is:  I do have a couple of bags full of beverage containers ready to redeem, in case I cave and need to buy something fresh at the grocery store. :) I'll keep you posted. Good luck with your challenge.

centwise

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #25 on: February 03, 2020, 10:45:40 AM »

My challenge for Feb: I'd like to see how many days I can go with zero spending. I know that I have to renew my gym membership on Feb 15, so I have planned for that and am omitting it from consideration. But other than that: my house is full of food, the gas tank is full, and I have no spendy social obligations for the next few weeks.

And when I do have to spend, I'll attempt to scrounge up some petty cash to cover it (e.g. a jar of coins, get bottle deposit refunds, etc.). [No side gig here.]

So here goes:

Aim: at least two weeks of no spending.

Feb 1. $0
Feb 2. $0

ixtap

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #26 on: February 03, 2020, 12:40:01 PM »
Feb 1:  $10 (pharmacy)
Feb 2:  $0
Feb 3:  $75 (grocery)

Sailor Sam

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #27 on: February 03, 2020, 06:01:32 PM »
1-Feb
- $300 on rent

2-Feb
- $46 on groceries. Including some fancy pants jarred broth, because #peptic ulcer. I ain’t starting from carcass.
- $3   on socializing. It was Starbucks tea, okay? OKAY? God, Becky.

3-Feb
- $0. Tempted but some stuff at the exchange, but I decided it wasn’t worth whipping out my credit card for a $1.50 sticker.

Running Total:
$346

Serendip

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #28 on: February 03, 2020, 09:04:53 PM »
It is good that I joined this challenge--prevented me from going to the thrift store today to look for a new recycling basket.
Went cross-country skiing instead :)

Feb 1: $38 (liquor & a cookie)
Feb 2: $0
Feb 3: $0 (my fella grabbed a few groceries and beer but we don't combine finances so I'm not going to be counting him into my calculations..) We alternate buying things so when I make an effort to use things up from home, it leads to less spending overall for both of us. I made some veggie wontons & vegan bacon, mostly with things I had already.

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #29 on: February 04, 2020, 10:54:09 AM »
I just turned down lunch out at my favorite Mexican restaurant to eat the curry I packed from home.  It’s a bit tricky because it’s a new work team and I do need to do some social things to build rapport, but it’s a frugal success for today.

ixtap

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #30 on: February 04, 2020, 11:21:33 AM »
I ate breakfast at home. I rarely eat breakfast, but when I do it is out, and generally counts as an early lunch. Healthier and cheaper today.

However, I feel more disappointed than triumphant. This is why people have a hard time sticking to diets and budgets.

mspym

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #31 on: February 04, 2020, 12:41:52 PM »
However, I feel more disappointed than triumphant. This is why people have a hard time sticking to diets and budgets.
I am curious about this part, why does it feel disappointing to you? What does eating lunch out represent and what are you missing out on by eating at home?

Because it may be something you value and need to build into your budget or it could be something you could build into your home meals. But it depends on what *it* is.

ixtap

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #32 on: February 04, 2020, 12:48:11 PM »
However, I feel more disappointed than triumphant. This is why people have a hard time sticking to diets and budgets.
I am curious about this part, why does it feel disappointing to you? What does eating lunch out represent and what are you missing out on by eating at home?

Because it may be something you value and need to build into your budget or it could be something you could build into your home meals. But it depends on what *it* is.

Oh, in this case it was quite simply the specific food that I couldn't reproduce with what I had at home. I made up for it at lunch with the frozen pizza I bought for $2.99 yesterday at the grocery store. The thing is, I hardly ever buy cheese these days, as DH can no longer eat it.

Sailor Sam

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #33 on: February 04, 2020, 03:58:27 PM »
1-Feb
- $300 on rent

2-Feb
- $46 on groceries. Including some fancy pants jarred broth, because #peptic ulcer. I ain’t starting from carcass.
- $3   on socializing. It was Starbucks tea, okay? OKAY? God, Becky.

3-Feb
- $0. Tempted but some stuff at the exchange, but I decided it wasn’t worth whipping out my credit card for a $1.50 sticker.

4-Feb
- $28. Prescription toothpaste. I suspect it’s witchdoctor stuff, but I’m tired of having to get my teeth drilled on

Running Total:
$377


I’m struggling with some sort of stomach complaint, which has seriously limited my diet (so.tire.of.chicken.dont.even.like.chicken), which in turn is making me realize how much of my discretionary spending is food or coffee related.

ixtap

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #34 on: February 04, 2020, 04:38:43 PM »
Feb 1:  $10 (pharmacy)
Feb 2:  $0
Feb 3:  $75 (grocery)
Feb 4:  $0

I forgot something at the grocery yesterday, but when I asked DH if he wanted it today or if it could wait until the next shop, he said it could wait.

Serendip

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #35 on: February 04, 2020, 04:52:33 PM »
Feb 1: $38 (liquor & a cookie)
Feb 2: $0
Feb 3: $0
Feb 4: $42 (groceries)
          $4.50 (a battery)

SailingOnASmallSailboat

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #36 on: February 04, 2020, 06:09:52 PM »
Just re-read the intro and the thread and feel better; I was going to have a hard time getting DH on board (he doesn't have any bad habits, other than scrolling slick deals for things he can't pass up)

In for no discretionary spending in February. Boat parts are most decidedly NOT discretionary. Hah.
Feb 1: boat parts and groceries, plus gas for the car: $94.56
Feb 2: boat parts: $95.56
Feb 3:$0
Feb 4: $0

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #37 on: February 04, 2020, 06:22:36 PM »
Thanks for starting this thread. I realized a few days ago that I completely missed doing my No Spend January like usual. Onward & upward into no-spend February!

Feb 2 $28.24  Birthday gift that I didn't plan ahead for
Feb 2 $32.21 Groceries (without my list)
Feb 2 $22.83 Thrift store clothes
Feb 2 $10.92 Once-a-month lunch with old friends
Feb 3 $24.69 Tank of gas


centwise

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #38 on: February 04, 2020, 10:37:13 PM »

My challenge for Feb: I'd like to see how many days I can go with zero spending. I know that I have to renew my gym membership on Feb 15, so I have planned for that and am omitting it from consideration. But other than that: my house is full of food, the gas tank is full, and I have no spendy social obligations for the next few weeks.

And when I do have to spend, I'll attempt to scrounge up some petty cash to cover it (e.g. a jar of coins, get bottle deposit refunds, etc.). [No side gig here.]

So here goes:

Aim: at least two weeks of no spending.

Feb 1. $0
Feb 2. $0

Feb 3. $0
Feb 4. $0

cupcakery

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #39 on: February 05, 2020, 06:36:09 AM »
January hurt.  We were on vacation, I had to pay the dentist, some copays, and my husband's car needed a minor repair.  It isn't that we saved nothing, but the amount we saved was tiny.

My goal for February is to seriously cut back.  We have some major expenses coming up and I can't have another month without putting a lot into my Sinking Fund.

So far, so good.  We went grocery shopping together on Saturday and did a lot of meal prep.  I almost had a moment of weakness the other day and bought concert tickets, but decided it was unnecessary, and that money would look much nicer in my bank account.  I do have to buy a baby shower gift, a birthday present, and buy some candy, etc. for the kids for Valentine's Day, but those shouldn't add up to much. 

centwise

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #40 on: February 05, 2020, 01:28:25 PM »

My challenge for Feb: I'd like to see how many days I can go with zero spending. I know that I have to renew my gym membership on Feb 15, so I have planned for that and am omitting it from consideration. But other than that: my house is full of food, the gas tank is full, and I have no spendy social obligations for the next few weeks.

And when I do have to spend, I'll attempt to scrounge up some petty cash to cover it (e.g. a jar of coins, get bottle deposit refunds, etc.). [No side gig here.]

So here goes:

Aim: at least two weeks of no spending.


Feb 1. $0
Feb 2. $0
Feb 3. $0
Feb 4. $0
Feb 5. $71.48 (40 for daughter, 31 for baby gifts)

AUGH! NO, I blew it! First I said yes to a "team sweatshirt" for daughter, then I gave her $10 for a dinner out with friends and then spent another $30 on additional baby gifts.

But I'm learning a lot from this exercise. I think I'm learning that gifts are a problem for me; it's easier to say no if I'm the only one affected, but I say "yes" too readily for spending on others. And it's very hard to say no to my teen daughter, even though she has some money of her own that she could spend on wants. I'm going forth with renewed resolve; posting on this thread will help to keep me accountable.

ixtap

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #41 on: February 05, 2020, 01:37:08 PM »
Feb 1:  $10 (pharmacy)
Feb 2:  $0
Feb 3:  $75 (grocery)
Feb 4:  $0
Feb 5:  $0

I have decided not to go to a non profit budget meeting. I sent in my requests, but I hate meetings with these people, it is cold and it is a crappy time to drive there. So, I won't use any gas today. That was a selfish frugal, not a sacrifice frugal.

It is really cold. OK, live in SoCal, it is just a little too cold to sit around, even bundled up. Even after I baked my lunch. I can either turn on the heat, which will likely stink because it hasn't been on in months, or I can crawl into the adjustable bed. Being a bed, it has warm blankets. Being adjustable, I can find a comfortable working position. Guess where I am typing from?

Serendip

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #42 on: February 05, 2020, 06:59:33 PM »
@centwise --isn't that one of the best thing about posting. I find accountability keeps me honest with my 'weak' spots!
@ixtap selfish frugal is still frugal :)


Feb 1: $38 (liquor & a cookie)
Feb 2: $0
Feb 3: $0
Feb 4: $42 (groceries)
          $4.50 (a battery)
Feb 5: $0 (went XC skiing but I already have the pass and we are having leftovers for dinner :) )

Sailor Sam

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #43 on: February 05, 2020, 07:17:56 PM »
1-Feb
- $0

2-Feb
- $46 on groceries. Including some fancy pants jarred broth, because #peptic ulcer. I ain’t starting from carcass.
- $3  on socializing. It was Starbucks tea, okay? OKAY? God, Becky.

3-Feb
- $0. Tempted but some stuff at the exchange, but I decided it wasn’t worth whipping out my credit card for a $1.50 sticker.

4-Feb
- $28. Prescription toothpaste. I suspect it’s witchdoctor stuff, but I’m tired of having to get my teeth drilled on

5-Feb
- $5 on a interval training app. The running program requires walking 90 seconds, and I can’t do that math in my head while voluntarily discomforting myself. Fuck that noise.

Running Total:
$82


I took rent out, because I realize the challenge is about discretionary spending. I’m feeling pretty sheepish that I keep letting the money ooze out. And tomorrow, I’m going to need gas. I dunno, it all seems fairly necessary?

Except for that app. That was pure gym fueled rage.

ApacheStache

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #44 on: February 05, 2020, 09:40:38 PM »
Feb 1: $0
Feb 2: $0
Feb 3: $0
Feb 4: $0
Feb 5: $0

So far so good this month. I haven't considered buying anything, nor have I been tempted to buy anything, In the past I've found a lot of success by pooling up all my purchases and only buying stuff on 2 days (Wednesdays and Saturdays) out of the week. I found that method cut out a ton of discretionary spending.

SailingOnASmallSailboat

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #45 on: February 06, 2020, 05:46:20 AM »
Feb 1: $0
Feb 2: $0
Feb 3: $0
Feb 4: $0
Feb 5: $0

So far so good this month. I haven't considered buying anything, nor have I been tempted to buy anything, In the past I've found a lot of success by pooling up all my purchases and only buying stuff on 2 days (Wednesdays and Saturdays) out of the week. I found that method cut out a ton of discretionary spending.

I usually apply this logic (staying out of stores reduces spending) to grocery but I like this overall "no buying stuff except on xxx day". Takes Amazon out of the picture. Thanks for the idea.

ixtap

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #46 on: February 06, 2020, 11:00:44 PM »
Feb 1:  $10 (pharmacy)
Feb 2:  $0
Feb 3:  $75 (grocery)
Feb 4:  $0
Feb 5:  $0
Feb 6:  $15 (grocery)

centwise

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #47 on: February 07, 2020, 07:01:44 AM »
@PMG: good for you for bringing your lunch from home! Looking forward to your next update. I find that posting here can sometimes help to bring indistinct goals into focus.

@ApacheStache: well done!

I had a good day yesterday. Actually it was just a very busy day with no time to even think about spending money. Tonight I'm going to a concert; the tickets are already paid for but I will buy daughter a beverage during the break.

Feb 1. $0
Feb 2. $0
Feb 3. $0
Feb 4. $0
Feb 5. $71.48 (40 for daughter, 31 for baby gifts)
Feb 6. $0


ixtap

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #48 on: February 07, 2020, 04:49:46 PM »
Feb 1:  $10 (pharmacy)
Feb 2:  $0
Feb 3:  $75 (grocery)
Feb 4:  $0
Feb 5:  $0
Feb 6:  $15 (grocery)
Feb 7:  $0

I think it safe to post early, because the only way I am leaving the house again today is if DH comes home and begs to do something for his birthday, which he has never done. I have no reason to even expect that he will be home at a reasonable hour. He doesn't do birthdays.

Tomorrow I am supposed to go to the pier to take sun sights, but it isn't looking like the weather is going to cooperate. If I go, we are meant to share lunch at the cafe.


Sailor Sam

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Re: Frugal February
« Reply #49 on: February 08, 2020, 07:37:08 AM »
01-Feb: $0
02-Feb: $46 on groceries; $3 on tea
03-Feb: $0
04-Feb: $28 on witchdoctoring
05-Feb: $5 on a phone app
06-Feb: $31 on gas
07-Feb: $46 on wife

Running Total:
$156


What can be said? Ding Dong, the wife is cute and asked me for something. Pete ain’t gonna give me sex. Plus, like, I have love, or something? So....
« Last Edit: February 09, 2020, 08:15:42 PM by Sailor Sam »

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!