Using this forum as a means of improving my life

[Ima saver]

Good going on day 2!! ( I hate that gas prices are going up again)

[wanttogetbetter10]

Good going on day 2!! ( I hate that gas prices are going up again)

You and me both!

DAY 3 - Had to go to and from Dallas in the same day! It was a long 20 hour day - all expenditures are reimbursable. The downside to it is that I don't get reimbursed until the first of the following month. In April I've had to fork out almost $3K in reimbursable expenses that I'll see in June 1.

Rental Car + Fuel + Parking: $32.92
Meals: $16.81
Kinkos: $28.51

DAY 3: $78.24 (REIMBURSABLE)

It might seem silly to track my expenses that come back to me - but the idea is to track every dollar that leaves and comes in - daily. So I'm doing it anyway!

[Ima saver]

I think it is a great idea to track every dollar. You have inspired me! I am going to start writing down my money spent daily too!

[wanttogetbetter10]

Day 4

Weekends - this is where tracking my expenses is going to show me where I need to change - because my girlfriend and I enjoy getting coffee, sushi, books, etc. So it's a matter of doing other things that cost less, or cost nothing at all.

DAY 4: $23.36 (Unnecessary)

Sushi and a Redbox movie. Day 4 is the first day I've incurred an unnecessary expense.

[Ima saver]

May 1st, I had a no spend day!!

[disneysteve]

all expenditures are reimbursable. The downside to it is that I don't get reimbursed until the first of the following month.

The upside, though, is that if you charge those reimbursables to a reward credit card, you get the rewards at no cost to yourself. Also, you don't have to spend the money right away and in many cases will have the reimbursement before the bill comes due.

this is where tracking my expenses is going to show me where I need to change - because my girlfriend and I enjoy getting coffee, sushi, books, etc. So it's a matter of doing other things that cost less, or cost nothing at all.

Well, Redbox is certainly economical entertainment. About the only thing that beats a $1 movie is a free movie. Check if your local library lends out DVDs for free. Ours charges but many others don't. I haven't found a site for free movies online but there are numerous places for watching free TV shows, both current shows and classic shows, for free online. That can be a good source of cheap entertainment.

As for books, use the library and check if there are any used books stores or book swap places in your area. And then there are always yard sales and thrift shops as cheap sources of books.

Can't help with the sushi. I'm not sure I'd want budget sushi. Some things are worth paying for.

[wanttogetbetter10]

Day 5

Picked up some groceries that should last me a couple of weeks today from Kroger. Felt good about the trip - used a couple coupons.

DAY 5: $31.33 (Necessary)

Total after 5 Days: $167.47
$23.36 - Unnecessary (14%)
$78.24 - Reimbursable (47%)
$65.40 - Necessary (39%)

[disneysteve]

Picked up some groceries

used a couple coupons.

Coupons can help trim the grocery budget. Just make sure you still comparison shop and consider less costly brands. 50 cents off the national brand that is $4 a box still isn't as good as buying the store brand for $3 a box.

[wanttogetbetter10]

Coupons can help trim the grocery budget. Just make sure you still comparison shop and consider less costly brands. 50 cents off the national brand that is $4 a box still isn't as good as buying the store brand for $3 a box.

Disneysteve,

Thanks for the pieces of advice here. That's always been my issue with getting heavily into using coupons - because I've always purchased private label.

However, one thing I am doing differently is looking at the unit price per ounce now - hoping to get the most bang for my dollar that way.

Thanks again...

[wanttogetbetter10]

Day 6

No news is good news!

DAY 6: $0

Total after 6 Days: $167.47
$23.36 - Unnecessary (14%)
$78.24 - Reimbursable (47%)
$65.40 - Necessary (39%)

[Ima saver]

That's a great day! I spent $90 yesterday. $45 for groceries and $45 for kick plate for the front door that have gotten tarnished!( 2 kick plates)

[wanttogetbetter10]

Day 7

2 days in a row without spending a dime! Although, one of my best friends has a bachelor party next weekend - I know that will set me back around $120-$150. Going to a Cincy Reds game and hittin' the town afterwords. Should be fun but a little more expensive than I'd like it to be.

DAY 7: $0

Total after 7 Days: $167.47
$23.36 - Unnecessary (14%)
$78.24 - Reimbursable (47%)
$65.40 - Necessary (39%)

[GregOlney]

coffee and sushi alone could free up alot...i'm speaking for myself

[woodie96]

Doing a great job...
However, I would take a HARD look at the bachelor party. The amount for a one day party for your friend is about as much as you have spent all week.
Any possibility of hanging out with them for a while, but politely declining on the game and hitting the town? That would probably save you a lot of money.

Just a thought....

[wanttogetbetter10]

Day 8

Well - doing great on not spending anything on myself - food, coffee, etc. It's actually not even a thought and it feels great. I mentioned the bachelor party - well I had to reserve my room for the wedding - fortunately I can split it with my girlfriend.

I realize I'm going to have to start breaking out my expenditures beyond necessary, unnecessary, etc. B/c this wedding isn't exactly necessary - but there's no way I'd miss a best friends wedding. I also travel quite to a bit to visit my mother who is sick - so I'm going to add a friends / family category. At any rate...

DAY 8: $56

Total after 8 Days: $223.47
$23.36 - Unnecessary (11%)
$78.24 - Reimbursable (35%)
$65.40 - Necessary (29%)
$56.00 - Family / Friends (25%)