No-Spend February - Part Deux!

[Sedai]

It's that time of year again...

https://i.postimg.cc/SKBR6dD1/Projection-Text.jpg

Here we go again! It's time for No-Spend February, which is a way to analyze and adjust a person or family's financial budgeting approach, and most importantly, reign in frivolous spending.

We have done this before, but let's summarize, in case new people want to participate this year:

The idea is to only spend money on the "four walls" that are necessary to live, while cutting out all other spending for an entire month. The four walls are:

Shelter
Basic food requirements
Transportation
Utilities/Bills

No clothing, eating out, entertainment/gaming/events, drinking, smoking, lottery tickets, Starbucks lattes, random app purchases, NO GOING TO THE MOVIES. A tough one for the MoFos, which will have most of them not joining in, I am sure!

*If you like road snacks, buy them at the grocery store and bring them with you etc. Make coffee at home and bring it with you etc. Sorry New Englanders: NO DUNKIN DONUTS!

There are exceptions: Car repair, medical emergencies, prescriptions etc. Just use common sense here.

Tracker sheets and planning aids for no-spend months are widely available online. Just Google and grab whichever one suits your fancy.

Some helpful hints:

Tell your friends/family, both to ensure accountability and to let people know your usual hang out session won't include your usual food delivery order.

No cheat days!

If an item comes up that you want, make a list, and assess it in a need vs want comparison at end of month - this is one of the main reasons for doing this: assessing needs vs. wants.

Use a spending tracking sheet or a finance app to monitor all transactions.

In summary, the object here to to quash instant gratification through spending, curb or halt retail therapy (see: my wife), and inculcate better habits when analyzing wants vs needs.

As an aside, this is good time to analyze bills, try to knock some down if possible, and perhaps adjust how you go grocery shopping by trying to find bulk deals, use coupons and things of that nature. Also a good time to analyze entertainment funding, whether or not streaming has gotten out of hand, gaming etc.

One example is that you can try to call your internet company, threaten them with moving your service because the other company will offer you the same service for $XX.XX, and either actually move your service, or get them to knock 40 bucks off your bill.

When grocery shopping: Avoid the aisles in the middle of the store that contain candy, snacks, and random stuff like magazines and books. Never buy snacks or candy while checking out, and always check each area of an aisle you are buying an item in vertically, as the store s tend to place the worst deals at eye level while stashing better deals on the lowest and highest shelves. Check unit prices to make sure you are getting the best prices for any given item.

I will be using this thread to track my progress, and hopefully this year I can avoid buying a car during No-Spend February! ;)

[Yoda]

Good stuff. Great tips, all.

There've been times in the past when we really had to scrape by, and others where we just really really wanted to save, and it's been really eye-opening how little you can get by on if you really work at it.

I won't be participating fully, but after deciding I want to try to go back to Pirates Fantasy Camp next year I started looking for ways to save, and started writing down any savings I could come up with relative to last year's spending baseline, at least, to offset most (all? probably not) of it. So I'll be semi-participating, and certainly cheering whoever on.

Like you with your car, there's a short trip to New York coming up in a couple of weeks that was booked awhile ago, but I think that, too, could be thriftier than expected. Easy place to spend a lot of money, to say the least.

[John W Constantine]

Ramen Noodles 🍜 30 day challenge here I come.

[rauldc14]

I can't do it this year. There's a couple of things that will be just too tough so I feel I wouldn't give it enough justice. But definitely props to those of you that can do this! I didn't do all that bad last year.

[Stirchley]

Sorry New Englanders: NO DUNKIN DONUTS!

That leaves me out of this project. If I have to live in New England I cannot do it without DD. :p

[Sedai]

That leaves me out of this project. If I have to live in New England I cannot do it without DD. :p

I haven't been in years, but my buddy sometimes brings me a coffee is we are board gaming or something, so I do partake from time to time!

[Austruck]

Clarification on the entertainment portion: Does this include streaming services that we already subscribe to? Cable TV we already have? Or just new purchases like movie tickets, concerts, etc.? :)

If we're keeping cable and streaming services already in our monthly bills, then I assume we can *use* these things since the point is about money and not about, say, giving up the entertainment for Lent or something.

[John McClane]

way ahead of ya! last nonessential purchase was right after christmas.

;)

EDIT: and don’t dare say i can’t buy candy at the checkout isle. that’s the only place i’ve found the Snickers with Pecans. i’ll die before i give up that new addiction

[Sedai]

way ahead of ya! last nonessential purchase was right after christmas.

;)

EDIT: and don’t dare say i can’t buy candy at the checkout isle. that’s the only place i’ve found the Snickers with Pecans. i’ll die before i give up that new addiction

Yea, that rule doesn't make a ton of sense, the more I think about it. Just fit it into your grocery budget!

[FilmBuff]

Ok, so, hypothetically speaking, if someone were to purchase some movie passes in January, and then didn't use them until February, would that still be in compliance with the rules?

Asking for... nobody in particular. :p

[TONGO]

Aw Hell. I remember the shame of defeat from last Februarys No Spend challenge. Dare I dream, I must! I throw my gauntlet to the floor, and proclaim loudly "I will save money next month, or so help me God I wont!"

[rauldc14]

Ok, so, hypothetically speaking, if someone were to purchase some movie passes in January, and then didn't use them until February, would that still be in compliance with the rules?

Asking for... nobody in particular. :p

Ah! Well now if stuff like this is ok, I might be able to pull it off :laugh:

[I_Wear_Pants]

This'd be cool but there's no way I could do it. Not because I have no impulse control but because I have to pay off a couple of things I bought when I knew naught of this, and then occasionally buying stuff for the kiddos (unless we get away with doing those).

[Sedai]

Clarification on the entertainment portion: Does this include streaming services that we already subscribe to? Cable TV we already have? Or just new purchases like movie tickets, concerts, etc.? :)

If we're keeping cable and streaming services already in our monthly bills, then I assume we can *use* these things since the point is about money and not about, say, giving up the entertainment for Lent or something.

It's a time to take a hard look at all that, and perhaps think about consolidating or cutting underused stuff, but there is no need to go through the hassle of canceling subs for a month etc.

This is more a way to analyze frivolous spending and create a want vs need paradigm to curtail same.

[Sedai]

Ok, so, hypothetically speaking, if someone were to purchase some movie passes in January, and then didn't use them until February, would that still be in compliance with the rules?

Asking for... nobody in particular. :p

Good question. This doesn't apply to stuff like gift cards or passes, and in fact we used gift cards we had on hand last year during NSF to go out to eat! As long as you aren't purchasing the cards or spending money to go out to eat or go to the movies etc., it's all good.

Each person will have a different area to target. Last year, for my wife, is was most certainly random retail spending at department stores nearby her work. For the most part, she has completely stopped spending at these places, so it certainly helped there. like, she would go to TJ Maxx on her lunch and buy a couple pieces of clothing, then bring it home and hang it in the closet, only to find it 6 months later with tags still on... ack!

This'd be cool but there's no way I could do it. Not because I have no impulse control but because I have to pay off a couple of things I bought when I knew naught of this, and then occasionally buying stuff for the kiddos (unless we get away with doing those).

That doesn't count, my friend! Any previous bills or payments should obviously be taken care of and kept up with. Also make exceptions for relatives birthday presents etc., but try to avoid buying clothing, lottery tickets, hitting the bar for drinks, buying CDs/Vinyls or BluRays, going to sporting events or concerts etc.

When something comes up do do want, list it and then sit down on March 1st and assess if you really need it or if it just maybe an impulse buy or something you don't really need.

[John McClane]

so if i was to spend all my money between now and Feb 1st, that'd be ok, yeah? cause i'm thinking of developing a gambling problem or something. ;)

[Sedai]

so if i was to spend all my money between now and Feb 1st, that'd be ok, yeah? cause i'm thinking of developing a gambling problem or something. ;)

I would head right tf out and buy 3 lbs of cocaine, 4 books of lottery tickets and a handle of Jack Daniels before 10am this morning.

[Citizen Rules]

Every month is a no spend month for me. I'm the king of frugal, I never waste money on non essentials and to me non essentials is just that...So I declare myself the winner:D

[I_Wear_Pants]

That doesn't count, my friend! Any previous bills or payments should obviously be taken care of and kept up with. Also make exceptions for relatives birthday presents etc., but try to avoid buying clothing, lottery tickets, hitting the bar for drinks, buying CDs/Vinyls or BluRays, going to sporting events or concerts etc.

When something comes up do do want, list it and then sit down on March 1st and assess if you really need it or if it just maybe an impulse buy or something you don't really need.

Oh okay. Then this would be an interesting undertaking. I was unaware of that stipulation, so thank you for the heads up. I rather want to do this. It sounds worthwhile.

[Stirchley]

I would head right tf out and buy 3 lbs of cocaine, 4 books of lottery tickets and a handle of Jack Daniels before 10am this morning.

What does “a handle of Jack Daniels” mean?

[Sedai]

What does “a handle of Jack Daniels” mean?

A big bottle of liquor with a handle on the side. I'm not sure if Jack even comes in bottles that big, really. It was just the first booze I thought of for the joke. :shrug:

[Stirchley]

A big bottle of liquor with a handle on the side. I'm not sure if Jack even comes in bottles that big, really. It was just the first booze I thought of for the joke. :shrug:

Thx!

[John McClane]

handle = 1.75 liters. so 0.25 liters short of a great time

[I_Wear_Pants]

I was thinking about your challenge, I guess it would be called?, and I wondered about work expenses and if my gray area would cause a muddle. I make films although not really professionally yet, although I work alone, and I need a couple of things for my next shoot, and I don't know if I'll have the money until February. Should I, since I haven't a deadline, just wait until March? It's kind of a professional expense because I kind of do it professionally, I do get paid a bit, but I don't know if it counts as "essential" for February because there's no deadline.

I won't spend money else wise, except maybe if the kiddos need something, than what I already planned, namely monthly expenses. I just have a film project that's getting close to being ready for production so I'm unsure what parameters to follow.

[John McClane]

got my last movie purchase in today. gonna start a little early.

[I_Wear_Pants]

It's that time of year again...

I will be using this thread to track my progress, and hopefully this year I can avoid buying a car during No-Spend February! ;)

It's been five days without a response so I thought I'd see if causing alert would grab your attention. Do semi-professional non-deadline film-related purchases count as non-essential and I should wait until March to get the film project props? Thinking about it, I might have a deadline because I don't know when, or if, I'll have sinus surgery, and I rather would prefer to get the project shot before the operation because then I don't wait as long.

[Sedai]

It's been five days without a response so I thought I'd see if causing alert would grab your attention. Do semi-professional non-deadline film-related purchases count as non-essential and I should wait until March to get the film project props? Thinking about it, I might have a deadline because I don't know when, or if, I'll have sinus surgery, and I rather would prefer to get the project shot before the operation because then I don't wait as long.

Remember, this is just an exercise to really drill down in your finances to look for places to improve. I think spending on stuff like you mention is really up to you. If you film is of great importance for artistic expression, go for it. But mark down what you spent and write it down as a non-essential so you can at least keep track.

You can be as fervent (or not) about all this as you want.

[I_Wear_Pants]

Remember, this is just an exercise to really drill down in your finances to look for places to improve. I think spending on stuff like you mention is really up to you. If you film is of great importance for artistic expression, go for it. But mark down what you spent and write it down as a non-essential so you can at least keep track.

You can be as fervent (or not) about all this as you want.

Ah okay. So it's basically up to our discretion on whether it's something we "absolutely need" or if it's just a fun thing that we want to pass the time or whatever. I definitely don't need to buy more movies and video games. I do want to see if I can change spending habits because I'm really bad at being frugal and I have no need to spend money on random things.

[Sedai]

Ah okay. So it's basically up to our discretion on whether it's something we "absolutely need" or if it's just a fun thing that we want to pass the time or whatever. I definitely don't need to buy more movies and video games. I do want to see if I can change spending habits because I'm really bad at being frugal and I have no need to spend money on random things.

Good luck! 8 Days and counting until we get started...

[beelzebubble]

way ahead of ya! last nonessential purchase was right after christmas.

;)

EDIT: and don’t dare say i can’t buy candy at the checkout isle. that’s the only place i’ve found the Snickers with Pecans. i’ll die before i give up that new addiction
Snickers with Pecans sounds fabulous!

[I_Wear_Pants]

Good luck! 8 Days and counting until we get started...

I've heard from multiple people that it takes about three weeks to change a habit, so if I can do this, maybe the habit of freely spending money will change. I'd be more than happy if that happens. I have no idea what I'd do with what I save if I do do that. That's actually not true; I have one idea. It'd take a lot of planning though.

Holy crap! I know what to do with Frugal February! If I can change my spending habits with it, I can get myself what I've wanted for decades for my birthday next year. Yeah! Awesome! I'm not going to spend any money until October when I buy it. I just realized that certain people would try to shoot down my idea... Eh oh well! They'd probably get all mad that I made a decision for myself and wouldn't be home. Sometimes you just have to do something for yourself.

[John McClane]

Snickers with Pecans sounds fabulous!
yup, they’re divine. pricey but worth it for a treat every now and then

[I_Wear_Pants]

I had an idea to solidify the viability of my big goal for this, so I will make a No-Spend February through October work. Thank you for the good idea. I will have to spend some money on less-essential things hither and thither, what with having kids, which is fine. My big-ticket purchase will still happen. I just have to be exceptionally frugal and not succumb to any sort of video game spending temptation.

[hownos]

I buy these on Valentine's Day

https://tse2.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.4P7w4bwHy9YcFT1GVweicgHaEK&pid=Api&P=0&h=220

[Sedai]

Just a couple days out now, folks!

Here is a free resource to print out tracker sheets and the like.

HERE (https://www.printabulls.com/finance/no-spend-challenges/)

Almost time!!!

[I_Wear_Pants]

I found a savings tracker on that site you linked. I kind of took your idea and ran with it and made it something else. It's fine; maybe this is the spark I needed to make my travel dreams a reality. I really don't need another fifteen hundred video games. Traveling abroad would be a lot of fun though.

[Sedai]

I found a savings tracker on that site you linked. I kind of took your idea and ran with it and made it something else. It's fine; maybe this is the spark I needed to make my travel dreams a reality. I really don't need another fifteen hundred video games. Traveling abroad would be a lot of fun though.

Yes! Glad to hear this. Let me know what sort of cool stuff you come up with; I am always looking for new ideas to weave into NSF.

[Austruck]

Ya know, I find it interesting that this is happening in February... with Valentine's Day smack dab in the middle of the month. Are you trying to get out of courting your missus, Seds? :D

Also, I might have to fudge on ONE item in February. I have been scouting out a new guinea pig (I've been without pets for nearly two years now, ugh), but I don't think I'll be able to get everything set up in time to get a new piggy by Friday. So, the actual guinea pig might end up being a February purchase. Since I intend to get said piggy from an animal shelter as a rescue, though, I will allow myself this exception as a good deed done that just happens to involve a donation to the shelter.

[I_Wear_Pants]

Yes! Glad to hear this. Let me know what sort of cool stuff you come up with; I am always looking for new ideas to weave into NSF.

I told two of my mental health people about No-Spend February, which I call Frugal February because I like alliteration, and what my goal with it is. This year will probably be a one-time thing. Ooh maybe it doesn't have to be. Let's go on holiday every two years with Frugal February frequently and see parts of the world. One year to save, and one year to go, and then repeat. Hey that'd be fun. Let's see how the first one goes before committing too much to it though. I am determined to go this time at least.

[John McClane]

i'll be paying for these two new tires the first day of February. so that went to shit right quick. LOL

[Sedai]

i'll be paying for these two new tires the first day of February. so that went to shit right quick. LOL

No way! Transportation costs, including repairs, are part of the OK to spend list!

My car is due for its 30k service, so I will be paying that, also.

[John McClane]

i’m just saying…it’s funny. because i was not planning on spending that money. darnit. just think of how many Snickers i could buy?!

[I_Wear_Pants]

I have some money coming from a couple of things, and I already know what to do with the dollars when they arrive; save them. Yep; they're part of my holiday fund. Going on a trip next year and I need to save as much as possible for it.

Okay I spent -$42 today and put it in my savings. That trip won't pay for itself! Though it'd be cool if it did. Nope I'm going to persevere and do this. It was tempting to buy a game, it is January 30th so not quite Frugal February yet, but I maintained my discipline and haven't spent any of what I got.

This will take a while...

[I_Wear_Pants]

Frugal February time! I got a head start on not spending money. I was looking at fares for my holiday and time of year and when I look is very crucial so I may visit Japan sometime other than when I originally planned. The holiday will still happen the same way; eight days in Japan buffered by two travel days before them and one after them; it just may not be March.

I don't want to go in the hot months nor the freezing months, so I have a window I'll check out once I'm ready to book flight and hotel. I'm so excited for this. This would be my first-ever solo holiday. Every other holiday I've taken has been organized and lead by other people. I want to do something for myself.

[Sedai]

And....here we go!

Day one of NSF is officially here. Good luck to everyone participating! :)

[John McClane]

i got my box of fudge rounds. i’m good

[I_Wear_Pants]

I got my monthly stipend in my savings account. A shipment I sent via Mercari has arrived, so I should get money from that soon. I'm going to go to Japan next year...!

[TONGO]

Today I spent 60 dollars needlessly. Not a good start.

[Sedai]

Did my taxes, and we even have a little money coming back this year, so that will all go into savings as soon as it arrives. As long as I can avoid you know, buying a car or something like last year, we should be good to go for the month of saving. On to day 2!

[Stirchley]

Today I spent 60 dollars needlessly. Not a good start.

Well there must have been some need?

[Austruck]

And....here we go!

Day one of NSF is officially here. Good luck to everyone participating! :)

As long as "NSF" can also stand for "Non-Sufficient Funds," it's good here. :D

[Austruck]

Yesterday I donated $50 to an animal rescue in Ohio... They called it an adoption fee (of $20) but I added $30 because they run entirely on donations and it's a fabulous shelter.

In exchange for my "donation," I brought home this adorable little critter. (This is the shelter's photo. I haven't taken any of little Mavis Beacon myself yet.)

The timing was supposed to be in January, but apparently they make everyone fill out an adoption application first and that took about two days of back-and-forth emails to get things straightened out.

The toys, fleece blankies, and little playpen were all paid for in January, although they showed up today. ;) #loophole

104845

[Stirchley]

Yesterday I donated $50 to an animal rescue in Ohio... They called it an adoption fee (of $20) but I added $30 because they run entirely on donations and it's a fabulous shelter.

In exchange for my "donation," I brought home this adorable little critter. (This is the shelter's photo. I haven't taken any of little Mavis Beacon myself yet.)

The timing was supposed to be in January, but apparently they make everyone fill out an adoption application first and that took about two days of back-and-forth emails to get things straightened out.

The toys, fleece blankies, and little playpen were all paid for in January, although they showed up today. ;) #loophole

104845

Is it a guinea pig?

[Austruck]

Is it a guinea pig?

Oh, sorry, yes! Kinda a weird way they're holding her, but yes, Mavis Beacon is indeed a guinea pig. She's pretty chill and likes to be held (especially if you're feeding her lettuce at the time), and her first day went great. Since I prepurchased all the accessories last week, the only ongoing expenses for her for February will be food (mostly produce). Just barely made it in under the wire. :)

[Stirchley]

Oh, sorry, yes! Kinda a weird way they're holding her, but yes, Mavis Beacon is indeed a guinea pig. She's pretty chill and likes to be held (especially if you're feeding her lettuce at the time), and her first day went great. Since I prepurchased all the accessories last week, the only ongoing expenses for her for February will be food (mostly produce). Just barely made it in under the wire. :)

Sounds like it’s gonna be a lot of fun for you.

[John McClane]

side eye. you're gonna have trouble

[Austruck]

side eye. you're gonna have trouble

Pfft, I've had guinea pigs since 2005. It's all good.

[Austruck]

Better picture of the little potato in her new digs at my house. She's settling in really well.

104849

[Stirchley]

Better picture of the little potato in her new digs at my house. She's settling in really well.

104849

Precious. :)

[I_Wear_Pants]

Is it bad I ordered a cleaning gel for my computer? The keyboard is all gunky and I've tried other cleaning methods, and they aren't working, so I want to see if that gel works. It wasn't much and it wasn't really a "fun" purchase; it's a cleaning supply, and the keyboard really needs it.

[Sedai]

Into the second week now: So far, so good! Just like last year, we sort of tightened up spending in the last week of January, so it was nice sitting down to do bills on Friday and seeing a marked difference in spending already.

Onward!

[I_Wear_Pants]

I haven't been good at this. It has made me more cognizant of where money goes though. If anything it's helped me rationalize how I spend money and realize I needn't do it as much, not necessarily not at all, and it's kept my travel goal in sight. I've looked at things and thought, "If I get item A I can't get item B for a few months or until I sell something or whatever," and it's really helped me curtail an abundance of spending. I did need to replace something which cost a bit, so I decided to bump my goal of when I'll book my flight and hotel from October to November, which I don't think is too awful. I may even book them in October anyway, depending on how money lands.

[Austruck]

I admit I'm not as good at this as I had originally expected. But I also know I'm not really buying frivolous things and I haven't really spent very much non-necessary funds so far this month. The new guinea pig (rescued on Feb. 2/Groundhog Day) has meant buying some new "stuff" for housing/caring for her. I admit a few of those items weren't completely necessary (she would have survived without them), but they make cleaning her cage and feeding her easier, so I let those purchases go.

There were a few not-completely-necessary purchases so far:

1. One pair of my readers broke, so I bought a five-pack of new ones. Cheap, though, at least ($15 for all five).

2. Several purchases were gifts for other people. (I can't help when people were born.) :D

3. Over the years I've read Stephen King novels haphazardly (though I buy them faithfully as they are released). I joined a bunch of other King fans in reading/rereading starting with his first novel, Carrie, and going forward. That's when I realized I had started buying King's books years after he started publishing, so I didn't actually have Carrie or 'Salem's Lot. I purchased both of those used/cheap just to get moving on this personal challenge.

4. I spent a whopping $6.11 (total) on four Steam games on my wishlist that had prices slashed SO much that I couldn't pass them up (like, 80% or even 90% off).

I still have just under two weeks to be better, and I don't see anything I NEED to buy between now and March 1 that isn't part of grocery orders, car maintenance, or other basic bills.

[Austruck]

105270

NAILED IT.

[I_Wear_Pants]

I admit I'm not as good at this as I had originally expected. But I also know I'm not really buying frivolous things and I haven't really spent very much non-necessary funds so far this month. The new guinea pig (rescued on Feb. 2/Groundhog Day) has meant buying some new "stuff" for housing/caring for her. I admit a few of those items weren't completely necessary (she would have survived without them), but they make cleaning her cage and feeding her easier, so I let those purchases go.

There were a few not-completely-necessary purchases so far:

1. One pair of my readers broke, so I bought a five-pack of new ones. Cheap, though, at least ($15 for all five).

2. Several purchases were gifts for other people. (I can't help when people were born.) :D

3. Over the years I've read Stephen King novels haphazardly (though I buy them faithfully as they are released). I joined a bunch of other King fans in reading/rereading starting with his first novel, Carrie, and going forward. That's when I realized I had started buying King's books years after he started publishing, so I didn't actually have Carrie or 'Salem's Lot. I purchased both of those used/cheap just to get moving on this personal challenge.

4. I spent a whopping $6.11 (total) on four Steam games on my wishlist that had prices slashed SO much that I couldn't pass them up (like, 80% or even 90% off).

I still have just under two weeks to be better, and I don't see anything I NEED to buy between now and March 1 that isn't part of grocery orders, car maintenance, or other basic bills.

One thing I noticed about this exercise is that it's almost more to pay attention to where our money goes and to keep spending more focused than to actually not spend anything. I could be wrong of course. It just doesn't seem like we aren't supposed to spend a single penny.

[Jeff]

I could only do a modified version where i spend no more than $100 on books or movies per month, with another $100 for burgers.

[Austruck]

One thing I noticed about this exercise is that it's almost more to pay attention to where our money goes and to keep spending more focused than to actually not spend anything. I could be wrong of course. It just doesn't seem like we aren't supposed to spend a single penny.
Well, we're allowed to spend on food, utilities, housing, etc. :) Just not extra stuff. And I suppose we don't all define "extra" quite the same way. ;)

[I_Wear_Pants]

Well, we're allowed to spend on food, utilities, housing, etc. :) Just not extra stuff. And I suppose we don't all define "extra" quite the same way. ;)

I more meant we're seeing where "extra stuff" money goes, but yeah, mostly that. I bought myself an early birthday present when on a whim I looked something up and learned what to do, and I bought a couple of replacement thingies I needed. I'm trying so hard not to spend on things that I don't necessarily need this second. The kiddos want me to get something I promised them I'd get so I need to do that once the site is back up.

[Sedai]

We have been locked into an almost perfect month so far. No slipups yet save for a couple of birthday gifts.

I must report that some asshat bumped into our car in the parking lot, didn't leave a note, and fled the scene. I've reported the claim, it's minor damage, and it looks like I won't have to pay the deductible until March 10th, so we are still OK for the month! He hit the front passenger side of the front end, broke the black cladding around the bottom and also an 8 inch section of the front end itself,

Of course this is all one piece and is made of fiberglass, so they have to replace the entire thing. It contains sensors and the front camera, so not cheap! They also have to paint it that expensive red Mazda metallic color and blend it with the other panels. bah!

Lame!
Austruck: We have had two birthdays as well. I mentioned that as an exception in the OP, as it is quite dangerous to not buy my mother-in-law a birthday gift.

[Sedai]

Due to the impending extra costs coming up in March, we are going to keep the strategy rolling into March, leaving some of the spending locks in place. Still won't be eating out or spending randomly out and about!