Apparently, I had a lapse on what I'd spent last week. Should've checked my own blog, I suppose. Anyway, I went a little over on the husband, partially because I forgot to budget for what Monsoon wanted to get Daddy this year.
Keychain bottle-opener, Ohio State fan variety. His broke a couple weeks ago, and the good beer apparently doesn't twist-off, so you might say this was a slight necessity. It was not on sale (gasp - I know), but it's a small splurge that he'll really like and use. Paid: $8.51, w/ GC.
House slippers. Another need - his old ones are starting to look like only soles. Original price: $32. Paid: $14.99, w/ GC.
Batman Underpants. Yes, you read that right. I let Monsoon pick out his own gift for Daddy. He chose these a while ago, I said we should keep looking. Last week, he still remembered about them and finally insisted that's what he wanted to get for him. He also requested a matching pair, but that's neither here nor there. It's still going down as one of the top ten funniest Christmas gifts ever - mostly because Monsoon doesn't think it's funny at all. He thinks they are the best thing ever. Love that kid. Price: $7.99, paid cash.
Previous amount spent was $87.03, plus this week's spending brings us to a grand total for the husband of... $118.52. Way over in my book, but still SO much better than a normal year.
Showing posts with label Budget. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Budget. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Monsoon is finished, too
With a remaining balance of $7.74 left on Monsoon's $100 budget, I took to the stores to stuff his stocking.
Batman Underwear - $5.54, paid w/ GC
3-pack Play-Doh, x2 - $2.94, paid w/ GC
Swiss Miss cocoa mix w/ marshmallows (one of his favorite special treats) - $2.04, paid w. GC
Bubble Gum-filled canister bank - $1, paid cash.
This brings Monsoon's grand total to... $103.78. Yes, I went a tad over, but only a tiny little bit! Plus, most of his gifts were purchased with Gift Cards, which were all free.
Batman Underwear - $5.54, paid w/ GC
3-pack Play-Doh, x2 - $2.94, paid w/ GC
Swiss Miss cocoa mix w/ marshmallows (one of his favorite special treats) - $2.04, paid w. GC
Bubble Gum-filled canister bank - $1, paid cash.
This brings Monsoon's grand total to... $103.78. Yes, I went a tad over, but only a tiny little bit! Plus, most of his gifts were purchased with Gift Cards, which were all free.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Cash for Stuff, Week 5
I'm still completely amazed at all the stuff we have at our house that we don't use or need, even after all the stuff we've sold. Here's this week's rundown:
Sold: Loveseat, $50
Sold: Weedeater, $10
Sold: Set of speakers, $15
Sold: 20" tv, $10
Sold: Monsoon's baby stroller (this one pains me, btw), $25
Sold: Computer husband built, $25
Gifted: $50 GC to our local Mall, courtesy of husband's grandmother. He will likely be using most of this toward my gifts since I've pretty much finished shopping for him.
End of week total gain: $185
Cash spent during week #5 = $24.99
Gift Card value spent during week #5 = $26.99
Previous week's end result = $730.81 to the positive.
Week #5 end result (730.81 + 185 - 24.99 - 26.99) = $863.83 to the positive!
*You may notice some slight changes to last week's end result - it's because I failed to factor in the gift card values spent. I had to go back and add those in.
Sold: Loveseat, $50
Sold: Weedeater, $10
Sold: Set of speakers, $15
Sold: 20" tv, $10
Sold: Monsoon's baby stroller (this one pains me, btw), $25
Sold: Computer husband built, $25
Gifted: $50 GC to our local Mall, courtesy of husband's grandmother. He will likely be using most of this toward my gifts since I've pretty much finished shopping for him.
End of week total gain: $185
Cash spent during week #5 = $24.99
Gift Card value spent during week #5 = $26.99
Previous week's end result = $730.81 to the positive.
Week #5 end result (730.81 + 185 - 24.99 - 26.99) = $863.83 to the positive!
*You may notice some slight changes to last week's end result - it's because I failed to factor in the gift card values spent. I had to go back and add those in.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Cash for Stuff, Week 4
We did sell some stuff in week 3, but I also started a new job last week, which is why I haven't posted much. Unfortunately, I won't get my first check until Christmas Eve, so my professional skills won't quite work into our Free Christmas budget. Pttthhh.
Sold: Sofa and Loveseat set - $100
Sold: Sofa - $50
Sold: Softball bag - $10
Sold: Wall mirror - $3
Won: $50 GC to Walgreens (from CyberMonday.com on Facebook - this was actually my husband's win. Woo-hoo, husband! Now he's glad I nagged him every day to make his comment entry).
Found (Won, back in Spring): $25 GC to Macy's.
** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
End of week total gain = $188
Cash spent during week #4 = $65.03
Sold: Sofa and Loveseat set - $100
Sold: Sofa - $50
Sold: Softball bag - $10
Sold: Wall mirror - $3
Won: $50 GC to Walgreens (from CyberMonday.com on Facebook - this was actually my husband's win. Woo-hoo, husband! Now he's glad I nagged him every day to make his comment entry).
Found (Won, back in Spring): $25 GC to Macy's.
** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
End of week total gain = $188
Cash spent during week #4 = $65.03
Gift Card value spent during week #4 = $142.41
Previous week's end result = + $750.25
End Result for week #4 (188 - 65.03 - 142.41 + 750.25) = $730.81 to the positive!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Monsoon's almost finished!
We set a $100 budget for Monsoon. It's been the most challenging part of shopping this year. Not only do we have less money than in years past, but we set the budget to keep ourselves from going overboard. He just doesn't need that much stuff, and this has put into perspective my habit of grabbing from the shelf, thinking "oh, he might like this so why don't I just pick it up now?" I have to keep reminding myself to think about what he really wants, needs and will use.
Here's the latest:
Bat Cave. It's his "big" toy this year, and one of the few items for which he specifically asked. Original price: $44. Price paid: $34 ($10 coupon), bought with ToysRUs GC.
Mr. Potato Head Jumbo Set. Original price: $24.99. Price paid: $12.50, bought with ToysRUs GC.
Peter Pan pop-up book (huge, elaborate book - one of his favorite stories). Original price: 29.99. Clearance price (b/c they have updated the artwork in a new book): 6.99, bought with Borders GC.
I did purchase 2 other items, but returned them. One was something he'd enjoy, but ultimately took up too much space, which we don't have. Another was a race track, but my Dad got him something similar, and we don't need two.
The total purchases for Monsoon this week came to $51.49 (although we spent $0 cash), added to the previous weeks equals $75.27 spent on Monsoon. That leaves $24.73 left in his budget. I'm going to start thinking about stocking stuffers with the remaining balance.
Here's the latest:
Bat Cave. It's his "big" toy this year, and one of the few items for which he specifically asked. Original price: $44. Price paid: $34 ($10 coupon), bought with ToysRUs GC.
Mr. Potato Head Jumbo Set. Original price: $24.99. Price paid: $12.50, bought with ToysRUs GC.
Peter Pan pop-up book (huge, elaborate book - one of his favorite stories). Original price: 29.99. Clearance price (b/c they have updated the artwork in a new book): 6.99, bought with Borders GC.
I did purchase 2 other items, but returned them. One was something he'd enjoy, but ultimately took up too much space, which we don't have. Another was a race track, but my Dad got him something similar, and we don't need two.
The total purchases for Monsoon this week came to $51.49 (although we spent $0 cash), added to the previous weeks equals $75.27 spent on Monsoon. That leaves $24.73 left in his budget. I'm going to start thinking about stocking stuffers with the remaining balance.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Inventory, Week 4
Whew, it's been a while. I haven't even shared the fantastic Black Friday deals I got a week and a half ago. So, I guess this is really my inventory for week 3, but I haven't purchased much since then. Here goes...
**Once again, if you are someone for whom we buy, you might want to come back another day. Or be a Grinch and peek, it's your choice.**
I also have a side note (I know, I know, get on with already, Ashley!). I posted in week 1 that we were giving my young nephews a DVD player, but honestly it's something I was struggling with. My personal opinion about young children and tv is not shared with everyone, but adding to their screen time just didn't sit well with me. Luckily, my in-laws DVD player broke (remember about the "Stuff"?), and they need a new one. Perfect!
Niece (2): Little Mommy "Baby Knows" doll. Original price: $28.88. Black Friday deal: $15
Nephew (1.5): Clipo creativity table/blocks set. Original price: $29.99. BF deal: $14.99. *paid with GC.
Nephew (2): Clipo creativity table/blocks set (same as above). Original $29.99. BF deal: $14.99. *paid with GC.
Nephew (7): Hot Wheels race track set. Original price: $19.99. BF deal: $7.99
Nephew (9): Hot Wheels race track set (dif from above so brothers can tell them apart). Original price: $19.99. BF deal: $7.99
Cousin's son (11): Mysterious Benedict Society book. Original price: $6.99. BF deal: $5.25. *paid with GC
MIL/FIL: DVD player. I already posted the "deal" for this, so I won't count the savings twice.
We have so much money in gift cards to stores like ToysRUs and Borders, we were also able to buy "Santa gifts" - small gifts for the children at my Gran's on Christmas Eve, delivered by Santa himself (my husband). We did this last year and it was so much fun. I didn't think we'd be able to do it this year, but it has worked out very well.
Santa gifts:
girl (3): Paper Bag Princes book. Original price: $6.89. BF deal: $5.21. *paid with GC.
boy (11): Book 2 in the Mysterious Benedict Society series. Original price: $6.99. BF deal: $5.25. *paid with GC.
girl (2): Purple sequined dress scarf. Original price: $14. It was discounted for BF, plus I had a "$10 off any item $10 or more" coupon, bringing my total to $1.21. AND 6-pack of princess panties. Original price: $15. Also discounted for BF, also with another coupon, bringing my cost for these to $0.87. Had to ring them out separately, but it was worth it.
boy (1): The Pigeon Has Feelings Too board book. Original price: $6.99. BF deal: $5.25. *paid with GC.
Our Budget allows for a total of $180 for the people above, not including the Santa gifts, which are not part of our budget.
The total cash cost to us for all the above items was: $40.98. That's a REAL savings of $139.02 for this week (not to mention the BF/discounts - original prices totalling $218.68 minus sale prices totalling $98.99 equalling $119.69 in sale savings).
Adding up weeks 1 & 4 (the only weeks I have done inventory), we have spent a total of $51.02 cash on family members for whome we budgeted $300, bringing the total REAL savings so far this Christmas to a whopping $248.98.
**Once again, if you are someone for whom we buy, you might want to come back another day. Or be a Grinch and peek, it's your choice.**
I also have a side note (I know, I know, get on with already, Ashley!). I posted in week 1 that we were giving my young nephews a DVD player, but honestly it's something I was struggling with. My personal opinion about young children and tv is not shared with everyone, but adding to their screen time just didn't sit well with me. Luckily, my in-laws DVD player broke (remember about the "Stuff"?), and they need a new one. Perfect!
Niece (2): Little Mommy "Baby Knows" doll. Original price: $28.88. Black Friday deal: $15
Nephew (1.5): Clipo creativity table/blocks set. Original price: $29.99. BF deal: $14.99. *paid with GC.
Nephew (2): Clipo creativity table/blocks set (same as above). Original $29.99. BF deal: $14.99. *paid with GC.
Nephew (7): Hot Wheels race track set. Original price: $19.99. BF deal: $7.99
Nephew (9): Hot Wheels race track set (dif from above so brothers can tell them apart). Original price: $19.99. BF deal: $7.99
Cousin's son (5): Hungry Hippos game. Original price: $19.99. BF deal: $10.
Cousin's daughter (3): Medical kit. Original price: $12.99 . BF deal: 4.99. *paid with GCCousin's son (11): Mysterious Benedict Society book. Original price: $6.99. BF deal: $5.25. *paid with GC
MIL/FIL: DVD player. I already posted the "deal" for this, so I won't count the savings twice.
We have so much money in gift cards to stores like ToysRUs and Borders, we were also able to buy "Santa gifts" - small gifts for the children at my Gran's on Christmas Eve, delivered by Santa himself (my husband). We did this last year and it was so much fun. I didn't think we'd be able to do it this year, but it has worked out very well.
Santa gifts:
girl (3): Paper Bag Princes book. Original price: $6.89. BF deal: $5.21. *paid with GC.
boy (11): Book 2 in the Mysterious Benedict Society series. Original price: $6.99. BF deal: $5.25. *paid with GC.
girl (2): Purple sequined dress scarf. Original price: $14. It was discounted for BF, plus I had a "$10 off any item $10 or more" coupon, bringing my total to $1.21. AND 6-pack of princess panties. Original price: $15. Also discounted for BF, also with another coupon, bringing my cost for these to $0.87. Had to ring them out separately, but it was worth it.
boy (1): The Pigeon Has Feelings Too board book. Original price: $6.99. BF deal: $5.25. *paid with GC.
Our Budget allows for a total of $180 for the people above, not including the Santa gifts, which are not part of our budget.
The total cash cost to us for all the above items was: $40.98. That's a REAL savings of $139.02 for this week (not to mention the BF/discounts - original prices totalling $218.68 minus sale prices totalling $98.99 equalling $119.69 in sale savings).
Adding up weeks 1 & 4 (the only weeks I have done inventory), we have spent a total of $51.02 cash on family members for whome we budgeted $300, bringing the total REAL savings so far this Christmas to a whopping $248.98.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Black Friday: All for nothing, kind of
The force was strong today, Luke. By that, I mean the evil force of marketing strategies and sales advertisements. But I stayed strong, and got nearly all my shopping done for next-to-nothing prices.
I poured over ads last night, planning and listing; trying to keep most of my shopping within the stores for which I had gift cards or big coupons (like $10 off any purchase of $10 or more - hello freebies). I got up at 5, left the house at 6 - armed with snacks, coffee & plenty of water - and started shopping with Monsoon in tow. We hit 5 stores in 5 hours and stuck to the list. Mostly. I only made one splurge buy - which I will in fact return because Monsoon doesn't need it, we don't have room for it, and darn-it, those shops won't defeat me!
I am happy to say my Christmas shopping is 90% finished and we've spent less than $100 of actual money so far this year.
More details to follow on Monday with itemized inventory for week #3.
I poured over ads last night, planning and listing; trying to keep most of my shopping within the stores for which I had gift cards or big coupons (like $10 off any purchase of $10 or more - hello freebies). I got up at 5, left the house at 6 - armed with snacks, coffee & plenty of water - and started shopping with Monsoon in tow. We hit 5 stores in 5 hours and stuck to the list. Mostly. I only made one splurge buy - which I will in fact return because Monsoon doesn't need it, we don't have room for it, and darn-it, those shops won't defeat me!
I am happy to say my Christmas shopping is 90% finished and we've spent less than $100 of actual money so far this year.
More details to follow on Monday with itemized inventory for week #3.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Cash for stuff, Week #2
I had no idea, when we began this project, how much stuff we actually had that we weren't using. The more we let go, the lighter I feel. Also, it's less I have to clean every day... or month. Bah.
Sold: 1 exersaucer. $20
Sold: 1 softball bat. $150
Sold: 1 sofa/loveseat combo. $100
Sold: 1 washer/dryer combo. $160
Won: Borders $50 GC.
End of week Total Gain = $480.00
Cash spent during week #2 = $18.29
Previous week's end result = $288.54
END RESULT for week #2 (480.00 - 18.29 + 288.54) = $750.25 to the positive.
Sold: 1 exersaucer. $20
Sold: 1 softball bat. $150
Sold: 1 sofa/loveseat combo. $100
Sold: 1 washer/dryer combo. $160
Won: Borders $50 GC.
End of week Total Gain = $480.00
Cash spent during week #2 = $18.29
Previous week's end result = $288.54
END RESULT for week #2 (480.00 - 18.29 + 288.54) = $750.25 to the positive.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Cash for Stuff, Week #1
We stopped using our microwave two years ago, and it's been sitting in a closet ever since.
SOLD: 1 microwave = $20, cash
SOLD: 1 computer, built by husband out of spare parts = $20
SOLD: 1 gigantic bag of clothes and some toys to a local second hand store = $65
RETURNED: A "gift" still in-package that we didn't need = $171.18 ToysRUs GC (WOW!)
RETURNED: Dog harness from Target, purchased a few months ago and never worked properly = $7.89, Target GC
End of week Total Gain = $304.07
Cash spent during week #1 = $15.53
END RESULT for week #1 (304.07 - 15.53) = $288.54 to the positive
SOLD: 1 microwave = $20, cash
SOLD: 1 computer, built by husband out of spare parts = $20
SOLD: 1 gigantic bag of clothes and some toys to a local second hand store = $65
RETURNED: A "gift" still in-package that we didn't need = $171.18 ToysRUs GC (WOW!)
RETURNED: Dog harness from Target, purchased a few months ago and never worked properly = $7.89, Target GC
End of week Total Gain = $304.07
Cash spent during week #1 = $15.53
END RESULT for week #1 (304.07 - 15.53) = $288.54 to the positive
Monday, November 16, 2009
Inventory, Week 1
Warning for my family, if you have happened over here - please stop reading NOW. (if you are still reading - shame on you! You might enjoy a nice surprise come Christmas, so LOOK AWAY!)
Here is what I have so far:
My mom - Longaberger Basket with cover and tray. Price: $99. Cost to me: $0 (giveaway)
Family Exchange - Cookbook. Price: aprox $10. Cost: $0 (local event prize)
Family Exchange - Recipe Easel & set of 50 matching Recipe Cards. Price: aprox $10. Cost: $0 (local event prize)
Grandmother - Shutterfly 8x8 soft-cover photobook. Price: aprox $26 w/ tax & ship. Cost: $10.04 (w/ discount & free code*)
MIL & FIL - Collage photo frame w/ pictures of grandchildren. Price: aprox $22. Cost: $0 (bought frame last year for a gift and didn't use it. Photos free from Shutterfly**)
Nephews - (2 brothers) - DVD player & Transformers DVD. Price: aprox $50. Cost: $0 (part of prize pack I won at a local event).
Our budget allows for $120 for the total people above. $120 - $10.04 =
A REAL savings of.... $109.96 (not to mention the $217 worth of stuff that cost us nothing)
*Shutterfly is running a 20% off promotion on all photo books, making the 8x8 soft-cover to 15.99. I also got an additional 10% off code that simply popped up when I logged into my Shutterfly account. I received a coupon code for $10 off any order, bringing the cost down to $4.39 + tax & ship.You can get your own $10 free code by registering at Parenting Magazine (plus, you can then vote for some cute kids in their baby/child model search - or enter your own child for a chance to win free Shutterfly goodies.
**When you sign up for Shutterfly as a new customer, you get 50 free prints.
Here is what I have so far:
My mom - Longaberger Basket with cover and tray. Price: $99. Cost to me: $0 (giveaway)
Family Exchange - Cookbook. Price: aprox $10. Cost: $0 (local event prize)
Family Exchange - Recipe Easel & set of 50 matching Recipe Cards. Price: aprox $10. Cost: $0 (local event prize)
Grandmother - Shutterfly 8x8 soft-cover photobook. Price: aprox $26 w/ tax & ship. Cost: $10.04 (w/ discount & free code*)
MIL & FIL - Collage photo frame w/ pictures of grandchildren. Price: aprox $22. Cost: $0 (bought frame last year for a gift and didn't use it. Photos free from Shutterfly**)
Nephews - (2 brothers) - DVD player & Transformers DVD. Price: aprox $50. Cost: $0 (part of prize pack I won at a local event).
Our budget allows for $120 for the total people above. $120 - $10.04 =
A REAL savings of.... $109.96 (not to mention the $217 worth of stuff that cost us nothing)
*Shutterfly is running a 20% off promotion on all photo books, making the 8x8 soft-cover to 15.99. I also got an additional 10% off code that simply popped up when I logged into my Shutterfly account. I received a coupon code for $10 off any order, bringing the cost down to $4.39 + tax & ship.You can get your own $10 free code by registering at Parenting Magazine (plus, you can then vote for some cute kids in their baby/child model search - or enter your own child for a chance to win free Shutterfly goodies.
**When you sign up for Shutterfly as a new customer, you get 50 free prints.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
The People List
These are the people (and ages of children) for whom we normally buy. Aside from the "Just Us" and "Exchange" categories, we typically limit our spending to $20-$25 per person or couple, which comes out to $420-$525 spent (WOW! I've never added it all up before). We don't budget for "Just Us" (yikes) and we always do a $10 family exchange with my aunt/uncle/cousins on one side.
This list is more for my own benefit, so I can check mark who gets what and keep track. I recommend making a list for yourself & keeping it with you if you are trying to stay on a budget - it really helps keep costs down when you shop and limits the "oh-why-not?" purchases.
Just Us:
This list is more for my own benefit, so I can check mark who gets what and keep track. I recommend making a list for yourself & keeping it with you if you are trying to stay on a budget - it really helps keep costs down when you shop and limits the "oh-why-not?" purchases.
Just Us:
- Husband
- Me
- Monsoon
- Mom
- Dad
- Exchange (sister, brother OR BIL) - from me
- Exchange (sister, brother OR BIL) - from husband
- Nephew (12)
- Niece (2)
- Nephew (1)
- MIL & FIL (combined gift)
- Nephew (1.5)
- Nephew (7)
- Nephew (9)
- Grandmother
- Grandmother
- Grandfather
- Cousin (5)
- Cousin (11)
- Cousin (3)
- Aunt & Uncle (usually a combined gift)
- $10 limit, family - from me
- $10 limit, family - from husband
I would like to stick with the $20 per person allowance, as far as worth, but I'm not sure how that's going to fly since some of the items will be purchased w/ money from the stuff we sell and some items will be literally free - because I won them.
As far as "Just Us" goes, we've agreed to stick with a $100 budget for Monsoon, and only purchasing gifts for each other if we have extra money after everyone else has a gift.
Grand Total: $540
I'll post tomorrow with the items I already have, who they are for, and where our monetary budget lands afterward.
This is really a lot of fun.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)