Impulse buys: $4
Full tank of gas: $25
Allergy Meds: $15
Exercise classes: $6
My share of groceries: $70
Garden Membership: $20
Vet Visit: $120
Total Spending: $260
Free / Low Cost Highlights:
- Finished the free e-book, “rented” a few non-fiction titles about gut health and mindful budgeting.
- Enjoyed the spoils of nature and made plans for all this new sunshine.
- Joined a local garden program. The small membership cost will provide far more resources and supplies than if I continued with my plan to do it all on my own.
I spent a lot more money this week than I had anticipated, but I am still doing pretty well with my challenge guidelines overall – I have not dined out and had a small buy at CVS this week.
Day 8 (Wednesday): No Spend!
A normal day, but I did not pack enough snacks for a full day of work! Dealt with temptation and ate well at home.
Day 9 (Thursday): No Spend!
Tonight was the grand opening at the new bar / cafe. It was chaotic, but lots of 40-60 percent tips were left! I missed bowling to make money.
Day 10 (Friday): A lot of necessary spending, and one impulse buy.
Payday! Started the morning with a full tank of gas for $25, hoping to get two weeks til I need to refill. Spring is coming… I picked up my prescription of sinus spray – $15. Usually this comes out cheaper than the OTC option, but oh well. I had $5 of CVS ExtraBucks and bought a lipstick too – spent $4 on the remaining balance.
The fridge was truly pathetic. We needed a big haul of building blocks. From the shared account, I spent $140, which included some beers. I’m not too concerned about going a little over budget because we typically alternate every other week with smaller shopping trips.
Day 11 (Saturday): Kinda planned spending??
I invited my work bff to a cycling class (3 CP credits). This was the first of “Sad Girl Saturdays” featuring a playlist of My Chemical Romance and A Day to Remember. Ah, my youth. After class she bought me a coffee for inviting her, thanks friend!
Carson, the dog, had another vet visit. Her infection is still not resolved, so I got another antibiotic and $120 vet bill.
Despite this vet office stress, it was a beautiful day, so we went to a park on the west side of town. We tramped around the trails and got super muddy. It was so lovely.
Day 12 (Sunday): No spend!
I wore my impulse lipstick and felt great. At least I am using it, right? Worked all day at the new bar, I was exhausted by the evening. Tossed laundry in the wash, made a quick prep for lunch the next day and relaxed.
Day 13 (Monday): No spend!
The thought of my garden consumes me! I spent some time during my lunch pricing out the materials and soil but haven’t ordered anything yet. I am budgeting $250 for materials to get my four raised beds started this summer.
I worked at the restaurant right after my day job. Was gifted a sandwich and cappuccino due to a ticket mistake. The best part about working in the service industry is the free food!
Day 14 (Tuesday): Planned Spending / Opportunities!
It is our students’ spring break, and there are in-town options for service projects that were also offered to staff. A project at an urban farm caught my eye and I am so glad I went! The sponsoring organization, Keep Growing Detroit, shared information about their programs and events. One of them is the Garden Resource Program which allows home gardens in Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park to join for $15/ year and receive up to 29 seed packets and 112 transplants throughout the growing season. Considering that I was budgeting about $20 for seeds with the hope to get about 15 varieties, I joined right away and rounded up to $20- the extra donation helps individuals and families join that otherwise couldn’t afford it.
I ran home to make lunch and went to vote before heading back to work. I intended to go to a primary party in the evening, but Michigan results were called by 9 pm. I didn’t feel much like celebrating, plus I had an early morning.
I am anticipating a bit of going out spending this coming week for my final bowling league night, but I feel a lot more balanced knowing I have extra cash coming in and low cost hobbies to fill my time on the other days.
How was your week?