My no spend day "every other day" average for the month has been decimated. I can quite truthfully declare I've been horrible at planning and anticipating things which is key to no spend days. Yesterday I'd planned a no spend and I ran out of coffee filters. Today I planned a no spend and after cleaning the cat's litter box this morning there is actually no litter left in it. I certainly can't leave an empty little box sitting in my kitchen and I won't even try to go without coffee. These are just two examples of my poor planning so far this month.
Plan, plan, plan! There's no better way to save money, spend less, and stick to a budget. I need to get my act together, pronto!
Average daily spending for 2015: $17.92
I'm at four no spends so far this month, with a total of 17 so far for the year.
How many of you fine folks keep track of no spends and I am curious, where do you stand so far during this grand year of 2015?
I know it can be frustrating when you run out of things. I try to make a list each week of things that we need in the house. My goal is usually to just go out one time each week for groceries and household items. Of course, there are weeks when I end up having to run out several times because of unanticipated things or when I forget things, etc. It may help to keep a general household list of all items: groceries, cleaning supplies, pet supplies, laundry supplies, toiletries, etc. Once you have that main list you can just check it out each week and if you are not sure how much of something you have left you can take a peek to see if you will need any soon. I also try to substitute when possible. In the past when we ran out of coffee filters I have used a paper napkin instead, just so I didn't have to run out anywhere for that one item. I find that running out multiple times a week for one or two things cost me a lot in gas, but then again there are no stores immediately in our area so if you are right up the road from stores it wont be as bad to run out more often. And you are absolutely right- planning is always the key to staying within your budget. :)
ReplyDeleteSo far for this year I find that we are doing well as far as spending, but that's because we are still doing our use-it-up thing. Once that is over it will back to a regular budget and regular weekly shopping. I have never actually tried to keep track of no spend days or what I spend per average each day- I have a monthly amount to spend and when that is gone, it is gone. I try to anticipate our needs for the month, as I explained with the main list, and when I take care of getting the things we need I know that the rest of the budget can be used for stocking up and getting some extra things. I am also finding out lately that the dollar store is becoming one of my best friends, which is going a long way for our budget. :)
I've done that coffee filter replacement thing before. I used a paper towel a few times in the past. I no longer purchase any paper products (napkins or paper towels) I could use as a coffee filter replacement though.
DeleteI also don't have to consider "running out of the house" to get things I'm out of since I work in a supermarket :) But I still like to get in no spend days to keep my impulse buys down.
You're right though, planning is key!
Oh yeah- I forgot that you work in a grocery store!! Actually, thinking about that I have to say that you do VERY well! I think if I worked in a grocery store I would be bringing home paychecks in the negative- haha! In all honesty I do think you do so well for your family and household. Since I first found your blog I have often admired your accountability and the thoughtfulness you put into keeping everything running well in your home. :)
DeleteI do the same thing, here we are out of milk and car food! Darn it!
ReplyDeleteAnd we're going to be out of milk tomorrow (I just got home). ugh!
DeleteI'm at 10 this month - haven't kept track until the 1st of February, but think we are doing pretty well. Haven't eaten out any more since our TERRIBLE last weekend, but if we can keep it at 5 for the month I'm going to consider that a win!!!
ReplyDeleteI think you are being too hard on yourself - remember, life happens - the cat HAS to have littler, you HAVE to have coffee (in my case it is diet coke with lime, but a non-negotiable so I totally get it), sometimes you just can't plan for everything that is thrown your way, even the little things.
What about having a small budgeted amount of "miscellaneous" money (maybe $20) and when you run out of something just take it out of that? Would that help?
You guys are doing AMAZING! I love hearing your updates!
DeleteI haven't really blown the budget for the month so I'm okay with the unexpected purchases... so far. But I was trying to get in a good deal of no spend days for the year and here I keep picking up this and that (plus a little extra almost everytime) instead of getting those no spends in. Ah, it is what it is. At least the budget is pretty much still in tact.