Spending Rundown

I still record my spending on the purchases page but I stopped itemizing awhile ago because it was taking to much time. Several of the days I lost track of this year were simply because I didn't have the time to write out everything I bought and I lost receipts.

Since I've successfully made it through one week spending $11 a day I thought I'd post what a week of dinners on $11 a day looked like for us.

Tuna noodle dish with peas and carrots

Mini chicken meatloaves with rice and peas
Grilled cheese sandwiches
Sloppy Joes (I use the Pioneer Woman's recipe)

Veggie lasagna; onion, mushroom, tomato, spinach, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, and cottage cheese filling.

Shrimp stir fry with rice and veggies; broccoli, red and yellow peppers, and onion cooked in a little veggie oil with garlic, basil, salt, and pepper.
Leftover Lasagna

We've eaten mostly cereal or eggs for breakfast. Lunches have been mostly leftover dinners. I've made a few batches of cookies and there's been quite a good amount of fruit and veggies in the house all the while. I haven't needed to purchase toilet paper. I picked up shampoo last Friday and some Draino on Monday. I can't think of anything else. Oh, the dog food yesterday. I think that's the rundown.

Cutting out little extras: pop, ice cream, lunches while working (even though I tend to keep these on the frugal side), coffee, has really helped to bring spending down. My average so far this year has been around $15 a day. I'm stoked that I made it through October on Twelve. A week of $11 in November amazes me. Like I said before: Target Practice! Sometimes you hit the mark. Other times you're way off. But the more you try the better you get.

Comida Para Los Perros

Guess who just bought dog food and still stayed on budget?

Oh, yeah! Oh, yeah! It was me! It was me!

There is a disclaimer though. I can't spend any money for the next three days or I'll go over. Honestly this is really difficult. I can not tell you home many things I wanted to purchase today (just regular everyday groceries) but did not because I was determined to stay on track. We have enough food for the next three days. We have all the necessary household supplies. And in other good news my husband has so far agreed that we'll go out to eat once and get a take out pizza once this month. Hopefully he's not planning on either of these two options before Monday.

We're only one week into the month but right now I am feeling like a champion.

Oh, and I started Christmas shopping too. I spent a whole $1.12 on something for one of the nephews. Score!

Average daily spending for November: $10.91
(counting next three days as no spend days in the above average)

Number of days in a row
Not buying food at work: 6
Not making large unnecessary purchases or luxury purchases: 6
Since we last ate out: 16
And I'm at 4 out of 18 NO SPEND days so far this month

Debt and Health Insurace

I took another gander at the US debt clock today. Last time I stopped there I just looked at the US National debt. It's at 17 trillion dollars right now. This time I stopped a bit longer to look at some other numbers. Oh... my... woah!

Debt per tax payer: $149,000. That's the National debt divided by tax payers. In other words my husband and I collectively owe about $300,000 if everyone were to pitch in their fare share and pay off the US debt. As horrid as this number may be somehow it's making me feel better about my own situation. Right now hubby and I owe a grand total of $129,000 of debt on everything; house, car, credit cards, medical care; everything! Our total combined personal debt is $20,000 less than the National debt we'd EACH owe if it were to be divided by total number of tax payers.

So am I in debt $129,000 or because I am a US citizen am I actually in debt $427,000? Yikes! I think it's safe to say that no matter how horrible I've been with money over the years, congress is worse with it than I am.

In other US news we had to sign up for a new health insurance policy today. Ours was dropped due to the affordable care act. If you've been listening to all of the debate in the news it doesn't matter what anyone is saying. The letter we got in the mail specifically said, " your policy is being canceled due to the ACA..." We'll be paying $20 a week more; $1040 a year. That's not a ton of money right? It is to me. It's an entire credit card. It's a really nice trip somewhere. It's a whole lot of awesome toys and clothes and anything my son could ask for. So we'll basically be paying $1000 more for what we already had. That's cool. Is there any way I can just stop all the "little" expense increases? Please? They're making me nauseous.

In the grand scheme of things, none of it matters. I had a great day with my son. We have our health. The beauty of Autumn is in full swing and the Holidays are upon us. In the grand scheme of things $1000 won't be missed (right?) BUT concerning every day life, purchasing groceries, and paying for gasoline... yeah. I'm just frustrated.

Armed With Cookies and Tea

Almost out of coffee grounds here!!! I could purchase more but I think I will challenge myself to drink tea for the next two weeks or until I run out of my current supply. Along those lines, I'm trying to not purchase any sweet treats this month. Sugary goodness is definitely a " little luxury" that can be done without. This morning I whipped up a batch of sugar cookies to get me through a few days of not buying treats. Actually Abe helped me make the cookies for the first time. He pretended to use the beaters, he helped stir, and he helped dump in the flour. He's not even 2 and already baking. It was pretty special considering it's a family recipe I've been making since I was just a wee one.

I'm not a big fan of going into work in the evenings when my Husband gets home but I do like not having my mother in law here more than one or two days a week. She's retired and really doesn't need to be spending tons of her free time at my house. So a few late days are worth it. Today was one of those days. But today the thing I'm most thankful for is a fun morning with my boy. We ran around the house getting all sweaty and giggling for such a long time. I actually exhausted the little guy so that he went down for a very early nap but we had SO MUCH FUN!

Average daily spending for November: $10.78

Number of days in a row
Not buying food at work: 5
Not making large unnecessary purchases or luxury purchases: 5
Since we last ate out: 15
And I'm at 4 out of 18 NO SPEND days so far this month

I bet I've had a post with this exact title before... what can I say, I like cookies and tea.

Debt Quote Tuesday

If there is no struggle, there is no progress. Those who profess to favor freedom, and yet depreciate agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground. They want rain without thunder and lightning. They want the ocean without the awful roar of its many waters. This struggle may be a moral one; or it may be a physical one; or it may be both moral and physical; but it must be a struggle.
-Frederick Douglass

To anyone who may be embarking upon a similar arduous journey: Struggle on my friends. The victories are worth the challenges.

Average daily spending for November: $10.78

Number of days in a row
Not buying food at work: 4
Not making large unnecessary purchases or luxury purchases: 4
Since we last ate out: 14
And I'm at 3 out of 18 NO SPEND days so far this month

So Far...

Planning really is better (even if I hate the effort). I saved $20.48 on my groceries today and only used 1 coupon. I basically only bought stuff on sale. We now have enough food in the house for at least 6 dinners, and I bought toothpaste, draino, baby wipes and quite a lot of veggies.

Today I'm thankful for our furry kids. We've 2 miniature Schnauzers and one very mutty Siamese kitty. We're a very blessed family.

These are two of my kids

Average daily spending for November: $10.78
(Counting tomorrow and Wednesday as no spend days in the above average)

Number of days in a row
Not buying food at work: 3
Not making large unnecessary purchases or luxury purchases: 3
Since we last ate out: 13
And I'm at 2 out of 18 NO SPEND days so far this month

One Day at a Time

I spent much of today planning, looking at ads, and jotting down things we'll be needing this week. I plan to shop tomorrow trying to stick to the $11 a day budget. Then I'm hoping for a NO SPEND on Tuesday and on Wednesday. Thursday we get a paycheck. That will start a new financial week for us and I will shop again on Thursday. Truly fascinating stuff, eh?

Here's what I'm wondering though, do I try and sneak in future needs, such as the potty seat, stuff for Thanksgiving, stamps, a little at a time or should I stock pile food for meals and household items and then start getting the "future" needs later? I know, what kind of stock piling can be done on $11? Well, taking it one day at a time I guess.

Today was NO SPEND numero 2 for the month.
Average daily spending for November: $5.80

Today I'm thankful for a cozy warm home and my family of course. I'm most thankful for my family so I could list that everyday: A cozy warm home and my family! Ahh

Target Practice

I woke up this morning and I began to panic a little about my $11 a day challenge this month. "Oh, why did I make that post? I'm going to fail miserably. I'm sure of it." All these negative thoughts began swirling through my mind. "I can't do it. I can hardly stay under $15 a day. $11 a day is ridiculous!" Then I begin thinking, "I'm going to have to start buying Christmas presents this month. Thanksgiving is this month. I need to get a jump on Christmas cards this month. I haven't bought a potty seat for my child yet. Am I a complete moron?"

I've calmed down. The biggest thing I've learned from writing this blog is that my goals are generally something to aim at. I'm not going to freak out if I don't hit the target (do I want to hit the target? Yes!). At least I will have tried. If I end up spending $12 a day that's a heck of a lot better than $15 or $16 or $18. If I make my $11 a day goal, Hooray!!! At least I am challenging myself. I need to get this year cleaned up financially. This challenge is important (especially with Christmas coming).

So the biggest part of this goal will be devising a plan and sticking to it. If I want to buy a potty seat I'll need to work it into the budget. I should pick up some stamps here and there and plan out my Christmas cards in small steps (I can't cut out Christmas cards either. It's one of my favorite parts of the holiday). Plan. Plan. Plan and execute!

Today should be NO SPEND 73. That's 2 out of the 18 done already. I can do this. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can. Go!

$11 a Day November

My November project will be attempting an $11 a day average for spending. 

My strategy for this plan
Bring lunch to work EVERYDAY 

Not make any large unnecessary purchases or little luxury purchases (like pop)
Speak to hubby about us not eating out this month
Look a little harder for good deals at the store
Write the weekly budget out on paper and STICK TO IT
Plan meals with items that are on sale for the week

Try to maintain the average as the month goes by so I don't have to catch up at the end

Squeak out 18 NO SPENDs
Remember to give thanks daily for what we already have

Average daily spending for November so far: $8.70

Vacuum Bag Plus Boxcutter Plus Duct Tape

Earlier this week I embarked on a mini career as a hair stylist. Today I attempted surgery. I just removed a large animal from my vacuum bag. Miniature Schnauzers aren't really supposed to shed. They're basically hypo allergenic. We really never find their hair around our house but what in the world was that compact giant ball of gross that I just removed from the vacuum bag? Eeew!

A few years back when we got new carpet (Very neat story: The dog attacked a purple pen. The homeowners insurance replaced our carpet.) my mother in law gave us her used vacuum and she upgraded to a nicer one. The vacuum she gave us is really very nice but it does require bags. And as expensive car repairs go with expensive cars, apparently expensive vacuum bags go with expensive vacuums. I really cannot splurge on bags that I collect our carpet crud in right now.

I wouldn't recommend this little surgery to anyone as the bag is likely to burst but I have successfully vacuumed the entire house and the duct tape is still strongly intact. In fact it seems I've gotten a much deeper clean than has been accomplished in a long time as there's been a large animal living inside the vacuum for far too long.

I feel successful. Now off to work. And then the weekend!

Tomorrow (with daylight savings time) is the longest day of the year and it's a Saturday. How lovely!

There's a First for Everything

Back story: my husband is making a large purchase next month. He's been planning it for at least a year so it's no shocker. He's come up with half of the cost by cashing in vacation days (without taking vacation or time off). Still there's been this big ugly lump in my forecasted budget for awhile.

Two days ago he called from work and asked me to schedule a hair appointment for him. He goes to a rather expensive salon. But I might call anything expensive since I've paid for one haircut during my entire 33 years on the planet. My mom never even once took us kids for a hair cut and until I donated once with my hubby I kept up the tradition. I'm not mad at him for the upcoming purchase but I am glad to announce that I stood my ground on the budget for this one. "Honey you know I'm trying to have enough money in the bank account for your system next month. We cannot afford a hair cut right now." He grows his hair out long and he generally donates it once he's got 10 inches to cut off. He doesn't get hair cuts often, still, right now is NOT a good time.

Reluctantly he asked if I would cut his hair for him. Yikes, we're embarking on dangerous water here. BUT what's the worst that could happen right... if I botch it up horribly then I guess he gets what he wants and can go to the salon. If not, major money saved. Well I did it. I cut his hair. Layered it and everything. If you ask me it's a tad bit goofy but I cut it exactly as he asked and even though he dare not admit it the look on his face was a dead give away that he actually really liked it.

I'm abnormally impressed with myself lately. I've been coming up with some really different ways to save money. On that note, after I try it out, I'll have a new post soon with another money saver. 

Ahhh

That moment when the clouds are fierce, haughty and ashen overhead. There's a chill in the air. It seems that the cold grey heaviness will linger for eternity. Suddenly the sun tears a ravine through the center of the dark pillowy monsters and a brilliant warm ray shoots from the sky and graces the earth with its heavenlyness. You hear the angels chorus and a smile embraces your entire being.

We just received a $150 visa gift card in the mail. It was promised to us when we switched our phone/ internet/ cable service over. But we'd apparently waited to long to retrieve it. I'm sorry but should their truly be an expiration date on a gift? We were supposed to go to a website and mark that "yes" we want the gift you promised us. How stupid. BUT, lalalalala they waived the date when we called and complained about the fine print and it's actually here now.

You have no idea how much I would like to purchase a few new blinds for our home with this money. Ours are brittle, ancient, and with an almost two year old in the house they're crumbling to bits every time he attempts to push them away from the window so he may watch the neighbor boy play basketball. I don't even celebrate Halloween but our blinds make it look like we live in a spook house. I'd also like to purchase some new articles of clothing. My wardrobe is becoming a funny joke. I would also like to buy my son some toys (believe me he does not need them). I would also like to... Oh how the list goes on. But guess what we've decided to do with our $150? Gas and groceries. Yep. We, collectively have decided to be responsible and catch up a little on the bills and bank account and just use this "gift" for normal everyday spending.

This is a silly thing to be rejoicing about but I feel no need to include this $150 in our $12 a day which means... wait for it... my $12 a day goal for October is COMPLETE!!! I did it. I got through October on $11.70 a day. HAPPY... happy, happy, happy dance!

Okay, so I'm not going to claim a no spend day when I've used this gift card to purchase stuff. That's still spending. BUT it's not spending from my $12 a day budget.

Ahhh

Cutting it Close

2013 Financial Goals
1. Average $13.50 a day spending currently $14.68
2. 104 NO SPEND days currently 70 (planning 71 for today)
3. No more than 45 days off the record currently 46
4. Maintain $1000 emergency fund currently $2
5. Stick to a monthly Zero-Based Budget This is really very difficult

For October I've been trying really hard to stick to $12 a day. So far my average daily spending this month is $12.59 a day. I'm SO close to meeting my goal for the month. I think I can do it.

My $13.50 a day goal for the year though... hahahahahaaaa! For that goal I've $576.12 left for the next 65 days. Yes, 2013 will be over in 65 days. That's only $8.86 a day. I'm having a very difficult time keeping my average under $15. I guess at this point I'm just going to try and keep my spending down, down, down and see where my average ends up on December 31st.

The Laundry Soap Isn't Gone Until You've Flipped The Bottle Over

Thank goodness for payday. However planning isn't my strong suit. Hubby and I are really great at spending 75% of Thursday's check by Saturday. I can think of 100 things we "need" right now but I'm going to attempt to buy the bare minimum today and pull off two NO SPEND days this weekend. Maybe come next week Tuesday and Wednesday we'll have more than $2 left in the bank account.

Things are not always this tight but I really have been playing a game of two steps forward two steps back for the past few months. My hours have picked back up so I'm in the taking two steps forward phase of the dance but we're still behind right now.

Have I mentioned that I really hate money. Yep.

The Day Before Payday

Surprisingly enough I did not use a credit card to buy food today. In fact I didn't buy anything today. I fed my family a very strange dinner but we ate and tomorrow starts a new financial week filled with paying more bills, budgeting for another week of spending, and trying to knock out a little itty bit of debt.

Two NO SPEND's in a row has sent my spending for October down to $11.78 a day. It will shoot back up again tomorrow after I buy groceries but I'm really happy to have it under $12 a day. You'd be amazed at how giddy I get at these little moments, truly.

Good night!

Debt Quote Tuesday

If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.
-probably every mom ever

Have you ever crawled around on your hands and knees picking fuzz balls out of your carpet because you just don't want to buy more vacuum bags? Well, that was me today.

We have NO money for two days. And we need food, cat litter, diapers (thank goodness for the cloth ones I do have but Hubby and mom in law aren't keen on using them), laundry detergent; the list seems endless but I won't continue. We at least have toilet paper, milk, and food for the fuzzy kids. I plan on a NO SPEND day today (#68) and I'll most likely charge a few food items tomorrow. If I can make it through all of next year without using a charge card one time I will mostly likely feel similar to someone who climbed mount Everest (with warmer finger tips). This year has been really hard on me BUT I am figuring out how to fit a third person into our budget with less income. I'm trying not to be too hard on myself.

Next year will be fabulous!

Rant Over

I couldn't leave my last post up. It was too mean. I'm still angry though.

Boxes Are The Most Fun

We made a free toy today. 

And that's what I call a successful Saturday.

That's his "give me a kiss mom" face. It's my favorite thing ever!

Why yes, that is cottage cheese in the quiche

I just want to reiterate, I am LOVING leftovers quiche!

This week we had sloppy joes from which I had a little bit of extra ground beef and a quarter of a red bell pepper sitting in the fridge. We had wonderfully delicious veggie lasagna from which I had a smidgen of cottage cheese left in the container. I made a tiny dish of baked mac n cheese and had less than half a cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese left. Last night I made quiche with the leftover cheddar cheese, ground beef, bell pepper and cottage cheese. I think it was my favorite so far.

The last one had ground beef, bacon, roma, and cheddar.
The one prior had mozzarella, and turkey pepperoni.

This is becoming fun and so yummy! Talk about an inexpensive dinner too. Eggs are significantly less money than any meat and I've been able to fill my quiches with bits of stuff that I might find it difficult to use up otherwise. Win, win for sure!

A HUGE thank-you to my sister in law at JJ and the Princess girls for giving me the wonderful Dutch Quiche recipe ages ago. Thanks again Jessica! 

Goals

I've decided to make a few goals for what's left of 2013. It's fun to put them out there in the blogosphere even if doing so shines a huge spotlight on the ones you've left undone.

1. Compile financial info for hubby (in case of an emergency). I don't have everything written down anywhere. If he needed a handle on all of our accounts he'd be up the creek without a paddle.

2. Potty train the baby. He's not a baby anymore. I'm not saying I will have major success with this one but I'd like to try before the year is up.

3. Read three books. This one takes dedication! Time always seems to be lacking but I love to read.

4. Write and send ten thanksgiving notes. I'd "resolved" to write about 40 of these this year. I'll be happy with 10.

5. This ones a bit more vague. I'm feeling down about our financial situation for 2013. With "uh oh's" and loss of hours at work and you name it this year has been rough on our piggy bank. I would like to go over the budget with a fine tooth comb and figure out a way to feel a bit more secure about our financial decisions this year. I'm not positive what that means but that's the point of the goal: figure out how to clean up 2013 financially.

Well that was fun. Now lets see where these goals take me.