Spend That Cash!

We spent a LOT of money yesterday. Especially for a no spend month, can you guess how much?

If you guessed $136, then you would be right.

I know, I know....please wipe that look of shock off your face. :)

You see, we also have another goal for this year: spend money on no more than 100 days. This is proving to be quite the challenge.

So, when Hubs said he wanted to take me to Texas Roadhouse for my birthday dinner, I knew I had to stop at the grocery store and pay the plumber (our water heater broke, and needed to be replaced).

That brings our total to $179/$250.

I knew our expenses would be slightly higher than our previous no spend month because my birthday with thrown in there, but I did not anticipate replacing the water heater.

Oh well, I am still quite hopeful that we will be near our $250 goal. It will be a challenge, but we plan to give it our best shot!

How are you doing on your no spend month? Am I the only one out there?

No Spend Month

We have entered our 3rd no spend month!  YEAH!

Hubs and I have restricted our spending to no more than $250 for the month, which is only about 25% of our variable spending during any other month.

It will be a challenge, but let's see how we do!

Here is an update on the last couple of days, I will try my best to update daily...but, things do get a little crazy around here. :)

1/1 - $0
1/2 - $15 (ice cream sundae toppings, ice cream, cheeries, milk)
1/3 - $28 (christmas presents, bread, bacon, soda)

So far, our total is $43/$250.  That number is higher than I would like, but....hopefully we will have no need to run to the grocery store for a while!

Although, I just remembered we are out of potatoes....oh well, meals will get creative this week! :)

Was the $43 ONLY for necessities, umm....no!  But, I justify the expenses.  The $15 was spent on an ice cream "date" with some good friends of ours (I fed 10 people ice cream sundaes for $15!).

Secondly, in order to comply with my goal for 2013, I have begun Christmas shopping with rewards/giftcards....all of which I got for free!  I have purchased 4 gifts, so far, and I have only spent $0.40 on gifts.  AWESOME! Oh, and I still have $29 in rewards/giftcards to spend on future gifts!  I will be shopping!!!  :)

And, the bacon is for my favorite Daddy!  He loves bacon wrapped little smokies, and I am making him some for our Christmas get together this Saturday!

Are you doing a no spend month?  Will you join me?  It's not too late!

Reducing Your Energy Bill

We moved into our house almost a year ago, and over the last year I have been doing everything in my power to reduce our energy bill.

When we first moved in, we signed up for the budget program through Alliant Energy.  We didn't know exactly what it would cost on a monthly basis, and wanted to be sure we allotted enough money in our budget.  The customer service representative informed me that the average energy usage was $194/month.  Okay, so...that was our budget, and our "starting line".

Over the last year, the following tips helped us save a LOT of money (I will share the exact number shortly).

1. During the winter, we kept our house at 65...most of the time.  We dressed warmly, and were totally fine.  It wasn't difficult, and my kids didn't mind at all.  My husband complained the most, but I would just throw a blanket at him and call it a day.  :)
2. When Spring arrived, Hubs turned off the gas to both our fireplaces.  This saved us $10/month.
3. And finally, during the summer we ONLY (unless we are having company and using our main level) use our air conditioner at night.  We lower the temperature to about 68 from 12a-9a.  Typically, electric companies charge more for electricity during "peak" hours (i.e. when everyone is using electricity)....so, we try to use energy during "off hours".  We also do most of our laundry and running of the dishwasher after 9pm.

So, after doing the above 3 things for the last year we have reduced our budgeted billing to $153/month.  But, last month...using the AC pretty much all month, our total was only $125.  I expect our energy bill to continue to go down, and I can't wait!  :)

How do you save money?  What steps have you taken to lower your energy consumption?

Extra Information:  Our ranch home is approximately 3200 square feet, and was built in 1999.  We also use "common knowledge" tips, like turning lights off when not in use, etc....which I didn't feel like reiterating to all your smart people.  :)

Image was found via a Google search.