Monday Accountability

formerlyGDaisy09

Good Morning Everyone!

1) How MM was your weekend?

2) Any progress toward goals?

3) How do you beat the winter blues?

formerlyGDaisy09

1) How MM was your weekend?

Pretty good, $120 on groceries and $90 at TJMaxx (We're starting wedding season in 2 weeks I picked up a nice bag on clearance, a couple pairs of earrings, a pashmina (because what do you wear to a wedding in January?), and some hair products to tame the pixie I'm growing out (almost to chin-length, YAY!) and a nice pair of thinsulate gloves) 

2) Any progress toward goals?

I picked-up another 75 minute dance class every week, that money will go straight to savings! H is also working on picking up some work helping small businesses with web design, any money from that is first going to go to setting up a home-office as part of our basement project.

3) How do you beat the winter blues?

Last year I definitely suffered from SAD, it's already hitting me this year! I'm working on being more consistent with working out, and this week I'm testing out getting to work early so I can leave before the sun sets. 

als1982

1. Not too bad. We ate out Saturday brunch and dinner, and Sunday breakfast, but in average spent only about $15 each meal. Otherwise, we didn't buy anything else.

2. Not this week. My check this week goes to the mortgage. Fun!!

3. I hate winter. This year we have three goals that we we're looking forward to in May: having my student loan paid off, bathroom gut and remodel, and a trip to London, Paris and Norway! Those three things have been helping us stay buckled down and focused on work and saving money until Spring is here!!

Xstatic3333

1.  Good, for once!  I spent $11 going out and he spent $25.  We've been really reducing our beer consumption and that has helped (and given me more energy!)

2.  I'll be contributing to the e-fund tomorrow, but slightly cautiously since H is bringing in his car for check engine light.  Hopefully it's nothing.

3.  I don't really get the winter blues unless winter drags on into April (which happens around 1 out of every three years around here).  I tend to end up very over scheduled in the summer and fall, whereas in winter I can relax and recoup.  I do crave "tropical" type things-orange juice, hot sauce, Zumba class, etc.  This year my dive instructor coursework is a fun "tropical" distraction.  

jessica490

1. H did a little shopping with his spending money, but I spent nothing as I worked ALL weekend.

2. $650 to mortg prin, $150 to e-fund to pay back for flights (still owe another $150 back), $114 to house DP

3. I've had a few winters where I had the blues and definitely needed to get out of the house more and go places or work out which helped...but this winter I've been so busy working part-time that I don't have time to be blue lol. But overall I've been trying to sneak to the gym just to boost my immune system and keep me healthy because I've been sick twice already...Also, I'm looking forward to listing our condo in March and our cruise in May so I had plenty to keep me busy and look forward to!

smbenevides1989

1) How MM was your weekend?

Really well. I spent about $33 on groceries, $25 on clothes for DD2, and I spent $36 for birthday gifts. All purchases were budgeted.

2) Any progress toward goals?

We have been sticking to our budget (which is huge for us!) and we have been staying home more to avoid spending any extra funds. DH did get a bonus of $140, so that will go right into savings this week.

3) How do you beat the winter blues?

I had SAD last winter, and it didn't help that I was in my first trimester either. I'm hoping to avoid it by keeping myself busy with two kids, but with PPD, I have a feeling it will creep up. To hopefully avoid that, we do have some fun plans in the coming months. 

mana8503

1) How MM was your weekend? Friday - $15 Wendy's, Saturday - $0, Sunday - cracker barrel $25, groceries $110, H got a bed set and throw for his sleeper truck $50

2) Any progress toward goals?  I found out my raise, and was able to put in my estimated new bring home pay to put into my 2015 budget.  I also got a bonus which will pay off a 0% card.  We should be 0% credit card free my March.  I use them to help H's credit but they are just pissing me off and I want them gone.

3) How do you beat the winter blues?  I used to shop, but obviously that's not helping our goals.  I do enjoy a hot bath and a book.  Also making warm weather plans.  I'd really like H to finalize when we're getting his kid this summer so I can book a long weekend at the beach!

brij2006

1) How MM was your weekend? Not shabby at all.  Spent $65 at Menards on paint for the remodel, $70 on groceries, and $25 to fill up my tank with gas. 

2) Any progress toward goals?  Just sticking with the budget for now.  We won't know how much will go into savings until the end of the month. 

3) How do you beat the winter blues? Open the blinds in the house and light a flowery scented candle.

hoffse

1) How MM was your weekend?

Ours wasn't too bad.  $110 on groceries, $50 for gas (but we filled both tanks completely!) and that was it really.

2) Any progress toward goals?

Nah, I'm still not sure how much I'll be bringing home with my raise this year.  They pay us bi-weekly in arrears, so my paycheck on Friday was actually for the last two weeks of December.  Until I know what I'm actually seeing, I can't really do a great budget going forward for the rest of the year, so we're trying to be conservative with our spending for a couple more weeks.

3) How do you beat the winter blues?

Take walks outside, even when it's cold.  Getting sun helps me a lot.  Honestly, I don't know if I could happily live much further north than where we live currently.  H and I both hate cold weather, and it affects our moods dramatically.  It's been cold here recently - most days are in the 30's - but at least it's tolerable for a walk if we bundle up.  I'm looking forward to March/April for the warm weather.

simplyelise

1. I was pretty sick all weekend, so we didn't do much. DH sold his West Wing DVD set for $35 then got us some chinese food for $13, so we netted $22! Delayed grocery shopping tonight will be about $65.

2. DH has a temporary staffing interview today and he's applied to over 20 jobs now, so I really think something will come through for him this month. 

3. I just got a plant for my office and did a big office clean-up, so that helps cheer things up 9-5. I've been sick for the entire 2015 so far, so hopefully I can get back to the gym this week. 

lifeonthehill

1) How MM was your weekend? Fine. I think we spent $10 beer for a get together at a friends apartment.

2) Any progress toward goals? No. I haven't gotten a paycheck since before Christmas and H get paid on the 1st and 15th. We both get paid this week though.

3) How do you beat the winter blues? The winters are hard for me. I lost my father on New Years seven years ago and I still struggle with my depression. Also H coaches hockey so he is crazy busy from Nov-March with that. I try and get into a good TV show and do crossword/word searches. This year I am in school and that helps me stay focused.  

vlagrl29

1 - it was good.  Friday we went out to dinner with friends.  It was good to have adult conversations. we spent $40 on dinner and $10 on drinks.  Saturday we paid for DD's dance tuition which was $98 and then we bought a new parakeet for our other parakeet.  The week before xmas one of our birds passed and our surviving bird was lonely.  we only spent $33 at petsmart for the bird and treats.

2 - nope, this is our slow time so goals are not met as often this time of year

3 - I don't really get winter blues.  It's been rough not getting DD out because she get a lot of pent up energy if we don't.  I don't take her to the indoor playground because it is so germ infested so that leave the library.  I also stay active which helps.

cbee817

1) How MM was your weekend? Great! - groceries ($148)

2) Any progress toward goals? $800 moved to savings. We're almost done painting the basement floor- the girls' space is all set up. Looks really cute and they're excited about it. We bought 8 additional floor tiles from Kohl's  (with a gift card) for a little more space and they should arrive in a few days. 

3) How do you beat the winter blues? I don't really get them and we have really cold winters, get a lot of snow. I'm at work all day no matter what the weather and on the weekends, we visit with family, take the girls ice skating, snuggle with them under blankets, read lots of books, and watch an occasional disney movie. Now that their basement space is all set, we have a date with some brand new play doh tonight! 

SmrBrd2012

1) How MM was your weekend?
It was average. We had a date night Friday as H's last hurrah before tax season starts for him ($45), walmart for some supplies/groceries on Saturday ($55), and bit the bullet and bought a few more maternity clothes on Sunday ($40). I HATE buying clothes I'll only be wearing for a few months!! However, maternity jeans are so comfy that I'm pretty sure I'll wear them post-baby.

2) Any progress toward goals?
H found out recently that he got a 17% raise for this year. We're really excited for that with baby coming.

3) How do you beat the winter blues?
It's tough. I have a hard time with it. I usually just try to ignore the outside as long as possible until spring comes. The holidays distract me from part of it and then I just try to hold on until March!

blondie42107

1) How MM was your weekend?
Pretty good. $125 groceries, $30 pet food, $25 gas.

2) Any progress toward goals?
Just trying to see how much we can save this month. After the holidays I've been in an anti spending mood.

3) How do you beat the winter blues?
I don't feel like I have time to get the winter blues with being busy with the kiddos and work. Probably would start planning our summer vacation!