Creditcardfree's Personal Finance Blog

The girls and I took care of two of our neighbor's cats for 10 days. We live just down the block and had to feed them twice a day, play with them and clean out their litter box. We received payment tonight of $50!

Even though March is a no spend month, I think we will plan to do something together this weekend with the money. A movie, a restaurant meal? Maybe we'll wait until the weekend following so it won't be March. What do you think? Should we wait? Or go for it?

As it turns out Sunday was a no spend day. We did shop and I did use my $10 Kohl's coupon for a set of socks that were on sale for $9. Free socks!!

The jeans shopping didn't work out. I will need to order online. Boo.

I'm not sure how the spending will be today. I'm going to try to delay going to the grocery store for one more day. I might finish up the birthday shopping. I guess I'll let you know tomorrow!

Spring and any other change of season can make for more spending. Do any of you feel like you are spending less this month? Or is it much more than usual?

While we were at the museum yesterday, I bought my daughter a book about the artist exhibit we saw. She wanted it and I said it could be a birthday gift...so another purchase! I need to wrap up the birthday spending in the next couple days...it's almost time for the big day.

Today, we are going to run by Old Navy for a pair of jeans for the youngest daughter and possibly Kohl's to use a $10 coupon that expires today. It is hard to pass up free money!!

Beginning Balance: 457.89
Groupon Purchase: (15.00)
Grocery Purchase: (45.59)
Fuel Purchase: (54.49)
Grocery Purchase: (24.13)
Ebay Birthday Purchase: (3.65)
Toaster Purchase: (26.37)
Grocery Purchase: (19.37)
iHerb Purchase: (1.68)
Grocery Purchase: (4.62)
Gift Purchases (19.36)
Grocery Purchase (34.93)
Account Interest $0.07
Cat Food Purchase: (28.61)
Fuel Purchase: (52.21)
Coffee Purchase: (4.99)
Addition of Funds: $500.00
Grocery Purchase: (83.55)
Ebay Purchase: (0.94)
Health Purchase: (5.06)
Previous Balance: $533.41

Gift Purchase: (25.00)
New Balance: $508.41

I did end up with one expense yesterday. A health item I decided I needed before the end of the month. Cost $5.06.

My parents are visiting for the weekend. My mom is bringing some food. I'm making us homemade pizza for dinner tonight with items already on hand. We will probably eat out for lunch tomorrow to celebrate my oldest daughter's upcoming birthday. It will be their treat. We are visiting a free museum, too. I think I might get away without spending any money until Sunday. It's been a good spring break with minimal expenses. I noticed I still have quite a bit of fuel left in the van that I hope can make it through most of next week. Yipee!!

Beginning Balance: 457.89
Groupon Purchase: (15.00)
Grocery Purchase: (45.59)
Fuel Purchase: (54.49)
Grocery Purchase: (24.13)
Ebay Birthday Purchase: (3.65)
Toaster Purchase: (26.37)
Grocery Purchase: (19.37)
iHerb Purchase: (1.68)
Grocery Purchase: (4.62)
Gift Purchases (19.36)
Grocery Purchase (34.93)
Account Interest $0.07
Cat Food Purchase: (28.61)
Fuel Purchase: (52.21)
Coffee Purchase: (4.99)
Addition of Funds: $500.00
Grocery Purchase: (83.55)
Ebay Purchase: (0.94)
Previous Balance: $538.47

Health Purchase: (5.06)
New Balance: $533.41

May God give you...
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.

Happy St. Patrick's Day from our Irish family to you!

Yesterday was a no spend day. I expect today to be the same. It is warm here and we will head out for a bike ride before the rain arrives tomorrow.

I played around with my online bank account and was able to add visibility to accounts at other banks. I also realized I can catagorize transactions, thus showing me exactly where our money goes each month. It must be similar to mint.com. I like the simplicity of it! Very exciting for me as a math nerd. I'm curious. Does your bank offer this? Do you use it? Has it helped you?

Tuesday I bought a book for the birthday girl on Ebay for $3.94, but had a $3 balance in my paypal account, so only $0.94 came from the checking account. I also made it to the grocery store. I will admit, I bought some wanted, but not needed, snacks. Part of the grocery purchase included conditioner and dish washer detergent.

Beginning Balance: 457.89
Groupon Purchase: (15.00)
Grocery Purchase: (45.59)
Fuel Purchase: (54.49)
Grocery Purchase: (24.13)
Ebay Birthday Purchase: (3.65)
Toaster Purchase: (26.37)
Grocery Purchase: (19.37)
iHerb Purchase: (1.68)
Grocery Purchase: (4.62)
Gift Purchases (19.36)
Grocery Purchase (34.93)
Account Interest $0.07
Cat Food Purchase: (28.61)
Fuel Purchase: (52.21)
Coffee Purchase: (4.99)
Addition of Funds: $500.00
Previous Balance: $622.96

Grocery Purchase: (83.55)
Ebay Purchase: (0.94)
New Balance: $538.47

I think today just might be a NSM day. I'll let you know tomorrow!

I have added $1496 to our truck fund this pay period. That brings the fund to $7,356. We are more than half way to the goal!!

I'm hoping for at least three more pay periods before we make our purchase. We will also be seeing more interest from our SDP account, as well, as a payment for per diem for the last year.

It's payday. I'm adding $500 to our spending account for the month. This is the usual amount we set aside for spending at this time of the month. We ended the first half of the month with just over $122. I'm very pleased with how we did so far. I'm looking forward to seeing how we do by the end of the month.

On another spending note, my husband mentioned that he actually still had $50 of his spending money left. I don't think he was trying too hard, probably just too busy to spend!

Beginning Balance: 457.89
Groupon Purchase: (15.00)
Grocery Purchase: (45.59)
Fuel Purchase: (54.49)
Grocery Purchase: (24.13)
Ebay Birthday Purchase: (3.65)
Toaster Purchase: (26.37)
Grocery Purchase: (19.37)
iHerb Purchase: (1.68)
Grocery Purchase: (4.62)
Gift Purchases (19.36)
Grocery Purchase (34.93)
Account Interest $0.07
Cat Food Purchase: (28.61)
Fuel Purchase: (52.21)
Coffee Purchase: (4.99)
Previous Balance: $122.96

Addition of Funds: $500.00
New Balance: $622.96

Fourteen days down, only 17 left to go!!

Sunday. Zero spending!

We ate from the cupboards and refrigerator. The snacks are near zero. But not quite.

We watched a movie on netflix. Played with our cats. Visted the neighbor cats twice. The girls played wii. I did some organizing in the basement: broke down boxes for recycling, and put away pictures.

It's spring break week here, so I expect today to be more of the same. It is a bit warmer, so maybe a walk on the trails later.

Tomorrow is payday and we will venture out for groceries. Might hit a free museum exhibit.

Saturday was a day of spending for necessities. I did find out that coffee is a necessity for me. Or at least one thing I'm not willing to forgo at this time!

We bought our regular three month supply of Science Diet cat food, filled up the van with fuel, and bought coffee. One daughter wanted a candy bar while we were getting coffee. She thought ahead and brought her gift card to pay for it.

Beginning Balance: 457.89
Groupon Purchase: (15.00)
Grocery Purchase: (45.59)
Fuel Purchase: (54.49)
Grocery Purchase: (24.13)
Ebay Birthday Purchase: (3.65)
Toaster Purchase: (26.37)
Grocery Purchase: (19.37)
iHerb Purchase: (1.68)
Grocery Purchase: (4.62)
Gift Purchases (19.36)
Grocery Purchase (34.93)
Account Interest $0.07
Previous Balance: $208.77

Cat Food Purchase: (28.61)
Fuel Purchase: (52.21)
Coffee Purchase: (4.99)
New Balance: $122.96

Payday is just two days away. I think we are doing very well. I definitely have food to last through Tuesday.

I've been blogging on Saving Advice for exactly three years. It's been great. I think it has helped me stick to our goals. And make goals for that matter.

I didn't spend any money on Wednesday or Thursday this week. Today, was another matter. I went birthday shopping and drove around way too much looking for things. I also picked up some groceries for the next few days. Here are the results:

Beginning Balance: 457.89
Groupon Purchase: (15.00)
Grocery Purchase: (45.59)
Fuel Purchase: (54.49)
Grocery Purchase: (24.13)
Ebay Purchase: (3.65)
Toaster Purchase: (26.37)
Grocery Purchase: (19.37)
iHerb Purchase: (1.68)
Grocery Purchase: (4.62)
Previous Balance: $262.99

Gift Purchases (19.36)
Grocery Purchase (34.93)
Account Interest $0.07
New Balance: $208.77

There will be spending this weekend. Right now, it appears to be only cat food and fuel for the van. That is probably $80 between the two items. Payday is Tuesday and things look good so far.

In the last two days we have spent $4.62 for a few fill in groceries. I can be a little bad at planning the right amount. For example pasta sauce, would have been fine, but I did have two extra mouths to feed this past weekend. One of the girls really liked the sauce...thus it is now gone.

Beginning Balance: 457.89
Groupon Purchase: (15.00)
Grocery Purchase: (45.59)
Fuel Purchase: (54.49)
Grocery Purchase: (24.13)
Ebay Purchase: (3.65)
Toaster Purchase: (26.37)
Grocery Purchase: (19.37)
iHerb Purchase: (1.68)
Previous Balance: $267.61

Grocery Purchase: (4.62)
New Balance: $262.99

I'm very pleased with this week so far. It is going to be a very nice day Friday, and I think I will use that day to be out birthday shopping for my daughter. I'm hoping to be able to use some coupons to reduce the cost of the gifts she wants.

I was looking back over some blogs I've written in the past. I noticed that there are several that I would consider my best advice. I'll have to keep digging to see if there are more, but for now I've narrowed it down to five!

I have them all on my sidebar, but I will add some links to this post:

One week has passed since I began the no spend, less spend month. I'm pretty happy with the results so far.

We began the month with $457.89. I have spent $190.28. Does that seem like a lot for one week? I did buy $55 worth of gas and a new toaster. Almost all the other expenditures were food.

Right now the checking account has $267.61. I will add more to the checking account balance at payday next week since that is our usual routine. At the end of the month, if there is a balance of $50 or more, I will consider this challenge a success. It is very possible the balance will be far more than $50.

During a no spend month:

When your clipping coupons, you don't bother to clip the ones that will expire before the end of the month, especially if you know you won't need that item.

It takes about two seconds to look at a department store or furniture ad, because you aren't buying those things this month.

There are fewer transactions to record in the checking account register.

I'm sure I'll notice a few more things as the month marches on.

Ugh. I really have trouble not spending, don't I? Today's expense really isn't too bad. I actually got a good deal.

I went to iHerb to purchase a supplement that was $12. Shipping was $1.68. I have ordered from them before and apparently I have earned rewards!! More than $20 in rewards. The $12 purchase became zero. I only paid for the shipping. Yipee!!

FIN012 for $5 off your first purchase.

Beginning Balance: 457.89
Groupon Purchase: (15.00)
Grocery Purchase: (45.59)
Fuel Purchase: (54.49)
Grocery Purchase: (24.13)
Ebay Purchase: (3.65)
Toaster Purchase: (26.37)
Grocery Purchase: (19.37)
Previous Balance: $269.29

iHerb Purchase: (1.68)
New Balance: $267.61

Our toaster stopped working. It tried to die on me two weeks ago, but I got it to work again. That fix didn't work this time. And I think after 15 years it has done a very good job. In our house, a toaster is a necessity. Sure, I could have used the oven, but really it's just not efficient or convenient. I could have bought a cheaper toaster, but I didn't want to spend differently on a long term purchase, just because it is a no spend month.

I made a grocery run to pick up a few more essentials for the week: bananas, apples, more bread, bagels, parmesean cheese, vanilla, grahm crackers and 12 pack of pop. The pop isn't really a necessity...but I'm addicted. I also had to pay the deposit on those cans. The new checking account balance is below.

Beginning Balance: 457.89
Groupon Purchase: (15.00)
Grocery Purchase: (45.59)
Fuel Purchase: (54.49)
Grocery Purchase: (24.13)
Ebay Purchase: (3.65)
Previous Balance: $315.03

Toaster Purchase: (26.37)
Grocery Purchase: (19.37)
New Balance: $269.29

We'll see how we do through the week, but overall I'm pretty pleased with the spending or lack of. Is a toaster a necessity in your house?

There is no spending to deduct from our checking account. And I've even been to the mall!!

We had the sleepover and one of the mother's gave me a gift card for Papa Murphy's pizza. I think she felt bad since her daughter kind of invited herself to spend the night. There is more to the story, but I'll leave it at that.

Last night we ate pasta that I already had at the house. The girls picked that over pizza! Today, I took them to the mall where a couple of them spent their own money. Since, it was lunch time, we picked up a pizza with the gift card. I used a coupon to keep the pizza under the gift card amount, so I even have a gift card with a balance to return to the mother.

The plan is to stay home the rest of the day, which should result in zero spending!

I'm here to write to you about more spending during my no spend month. Odd isn't it.

I bought my daughter a used copy of Wii Music on ebay and used my $9 paypal balance, which was from Pinecone surveys, to pay for most of it. The remainder, $3.65, was deducted from the checking account.

Beginning Balance: 457.89
Groupon Purchase: (15.00)
Grocery Purchase: (45.59)
Fuel Purchase: (54.49)
Grocery Purchase: (24.13)
Previous Balance: $318.68

Ebay Purchase: (3.65)
New Balance: $315.03

My youngest daughter needed a new folder for school. It turns out I had two in the house she could choose from. No money spent there. She is also having a friend (maybe 2) spend the night tonight. We'll have the pasta we already planned for dinner. And we have several options for breakfast. I'm not buying anything extra because we have company.

Here's looking forward to a no spend weekend!!

Today was another spend day here during the no spend month. All items are necessities.

I first made a trip to Panera with my friends. I ate a pumpkin muffie that was free with MyPanera Rewards. I drank water. I love free outings!!

I later stopped to fill up on gas, since my van was nearing zero. I paid $3.50/gallon and bought 15.5 gallons for a total of $54.49. I last filled up on February 22, which was about 10 days ago. Luckily, because of spring break I might actually spend less money on gas later this month.

I also made my second trip to the grocery store to stock up on items I know we will need and eat the rest of the month. I stuck to my list and spent $24.13. I bought several packages of chicken, cheese, tuna, oranges and strawberries and milk. I actually should have bought more chicken. I will wait until Monday to decide if I should go back for more before the sale ends.

Beginning Balance: 457.89
Groupon Purchase: (15.00)
Grocery Purchase: (45.59)
Previous Balance: $397.30

Fuel Purchase: (54.49)
Grocery Purchase: (24.13)
New Balance: $318.68

Quite a bit of spending so far...but except for the car washes I feel it has all been necessary expenses for the month.

It's a good sign when you have bought only necessary groceries and your teenage daughter arrives home from school to tell you there is nothing to eat. True story!

I went to our SuperTarget today. I do have their Red Card, but I have decided not to use it this month. I think I spend too much when I do use it. Much harder to keep track of. The savings are nice though!

I spent $45.59. I stocked up on pasta, soups, frozen vegetables, fresh vegetables, lunch box needs, sugar, flour, butter and eggs. I actually still need a few items, but I will be hitting another grocery store tomorrow to buy some of their sale items, specifically boneless skinless chicken breasts for $1.88/lb!

I made homemade brownies and then an hour later our girl scout cookies were delivered. The money for the cookies has been waiting on the fridge since January. Just want the teenager needed!

I did break down and buy the Groupon for the three cash washes today for $15. It is a very reasonable deal for something that does need to be done sometime this month.

Previous Balance: 457.89
Groupon Purchase: (15.00)
Grocery Purchase: (45.59)
New Balance: $397.30

I will be buying gas for the van soon at crazy high prices, too. See one still spends during a no spend month!!

I'm am pleased to report that the first day of March was a no spend day. We found different things to eat for dinner last night. In fact two of us, were very full after dinner. We ate too much!!

This morning, I opened my email to see a Groupon offer. Previously, I told myself I would not buy any Groupon or Livingsocial deals in March. This one is for a car wash I actually use right by my house. I generally pay $10 for the wash. Today's deal is $15 for three of those same washes. That is $5 each. So tempted. My van even needs to be washed! Ugh. Any advice? Should I do it anyway? Should stay with my original plan?

I'm am hitting the grocery store today. I hope I can make good decisions about needs and wants.

Here we are at March. And it's payday. We added $1,304 to our truck savings fund. Our new balance is $5,860. We are getting close to half of the goal!!

As I mentioned in the two previous posts, I will be attempting to do a no spend month. This isn't really no spend as much as less spend. Spend only on necessities and required bills. It is a chance to evaluate all expenses. Especially the variable ones.

I don't have expectations that this will work out perfect, but I will do my best. I plan to share the twists and turns along the way.

Until March 15, our next payday, there is $457.89 in our checking account. This is the money allocated toward spending. This is a similar amount we start with each pay period when DH is not home. I hope to spend considerably less than this amount.

I have not specifically stocked up in advance for this adventure, however, I do have my homemade laundry detergent, plenty of toilet paper, hair products, toothpaste, feminine needs, dryer sheets, and cat litter.

I am very low on food. Last night I actually ate a child's microwavable meal that has been in the freezer for weeks! The girls had other various leftovers. Today I used up a rotisserie chicken on my sandwich. I think we can make it one more evening without going to the store for necessities. One item I know I need this week is plastic sandwich bags for school lunches.

My major exception for this month is my daughter's birthday. It is much later in the month, but I will need to buy her gifts and a food treat at the very least. I will use the same checking account money mentioned above.

Here's to a no spend, less spend month!

I have two girl friends with birthdays in March. Today I used fabric I already own to make them each a zippered lined pouch. I had the zippers too. Free gifts!!

I will have to mail one. Not a necessity, but a small amount that I'm willing to pay to get it to her by her birthday next week. I plan use notecards I already own to write a birthday message to each of them. And as any other frugal person, I have plenty of gift bags and wrapping paper if needed.

It was a no spend day. A good way to start off the no spend month challenge. Yep. I've committed. It may not go perfect, but its a goal to work towards.

I am thinking of attempting a no spend month for March. Has anyone done this before? I have read several blogs where people have.

Obviously a no spend month would still allow for paying bills, buying food and other necessities. Since I would be attempting this in March, I would also have to allow for my daughter's birthday gifts, a special dinner and treat. Luckily she is outgrowing the need for parties.

It seems like a good month to do this after coming off a very expensive month with all the eating out we did. It is my last full month without DH in the house, so I would have complete control over spending.

We will definitely have to get a little creative over spring break with free activities. We already want to visit our local art museum which has free admission. A warm week would allow for some outside walks.

I agreed that my girls are allowed to use their money to buy wants for themselves. I won't allow them to pitch in for wants for the family.

Thoughts, ideas? Anyone want to join me in the month of March?

Our federal tax refund, $1,990, was deposited into our account today. We do owe our state $124 by April 30th (yes we get a delay here). We will save the $124 and pay the state just before the due date. The remainder of the refund, $1,866, will be saved for the truck purchase.

New Truck Savings Balance: $4,556

We are getting closer each time money comes in!

If you are getting a tax refund, what are you doing with yours?

I booked a four night vacation to Las Vegas for DH and I. We've never been. DH really wants to go. I'm just okay with it. I will have fun wherever if we are together though. We are looking at it as our honeymoon and 15 year anniversary trip all rolled into one.

I'm hoping for a total less than $1500. So far we are under $900 with hotel and airfare. I have to pay for the airfare now and one night hotel deposit.

We ate out a lot in the last two weeks. A fair amount was takeout, because we were sick and didn't feel like cooking or getting to the grocery store. I also didn't have a plan for our meals while DH was home. That was not a good idea.

In two weeks we spent $282.88 on dining out, takeout, fast food, coffee, and donuts. We did not eat out everyday thankfully. I'm pretty sure I gained weight. I haven't had the guts to check the scale yet.

It was all paid with cash. It shouldn't really cause too much of a problem with any of the goals. Although, I might look back in two months and think so.

I'm so glad this is not our normal food spending plan.

Well, it was hard to leave completely from SA. Did you notice I still commented on some blogs? DH did spend a fair amount of time watching TV, which I rarely do. It was great to have him home, except that we were both sick a good portion of the time. I thought it was a cold, but now I think it was a mild respiratory flu! Yuck. We are very close to the deployment being over, so I'll get to announce he is back home for good soon.

I'm looking forward to doing some more financial posts soon, since our federal refund is scheduled to post this Friday. And then, payday, is just around the corner, too!