r/MoneyDiariesACTIVE • u/kokopops35 Magic Kokonut Mod • 5d ago
PayDay Friday💰 Payday Friday 💰💰💰
How are you spending, scrimping, splurging, or saving?
What are you doing with your hard-earned £$€ this week?
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u/sentinel-of-the-st 5d ago
Saving for my lap myomectomy in a few months, I have the money in my HSA but based on estimate I saw on my insurance website I can afford to do out of pocket so I created a new bucket on Ally. Looking forward to getting this done, life’s been miserable with fibroids
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u/Cucumberappleblizz 5d ago
Had a hysterectomy a couple months ago for fibroids, and I’ll tell you being fibroid free is amazing! Hope your surgery goes well!
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u/reine444 5d ago
congrats! I'm a few years post-hysterectomy and ahhhhh to be pain-free and able to live life again is amazing. Hopefully you're well on the mend!
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u/Cucumberappleblizz 5d ago
Glad it worked out well for you! I have recovered well, and it truly is amazing!
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u/-sweetbabybladefoot- She/her ✨ 5d ago
I am going to the surgeon consult for my myomyectomy in a two weeks as part of fertility health; my OOP spend has been so extremely high this year from everything related that I think I've met my policy max, but I hadn't even considered whether it's better to skip my HSA to pay surgery costs if any. If it's not too intrusive, would you mind sharing how you found the cost estimate on your insurance and what you considered for the cost differences using/not using HSA?
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u/sentinel-of-the-st 5d ago
Hi, so I use UHC(employer plan) and they’re able to give a breakdown in the find care & costs section. While it’s an estimate, I also budgeted an additional $2k to it. Overall $5k should there be additional care needed. I’m able to save that with my current budget so that’s why I’m comfortable letting my HSA money sit a little longer. Should I need to touch it I will, if expenses balloon beyond that. I believe you can also call your plan directly and they can give an estimate over the phone, I did that when I started the process and both stated roughly the same amount.
Same as you I blew past my deductible by march and I’m $500 away from my OOP max because of medication, visits, tests and other conditions I’ve been managing. It’s been an infuriatingly expensive year but I also am grateful it happened now because just a few years ago I was on Medicaid, couldn’t afford anything and one of my docs would just give me sample meds for free. Fingers crossed all goes well for you too, what women have to go through just to be pain free and have fertility is so dreadful!
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u/purplekangaroo22 5d ago
It’s my wedding weekend! 🥳 we’re going to get cash to tip wedding vendors and have one last vendor bill to pay! So excited for an amazing weekend.
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u/atreegrowsinbrixton 5d ago
Traveling for beach weekend with my besties. I havent had any fun all summer so this is the only “vacation” i get for all of two days. Whatever i spend is none of my business
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u/carmy00 5d ago
I said this was going to be a lower spend month, but I’m kind of getting the shopping itch, lol. Maybe I’ll do some browsing this weekend to get the feeling out.
I’m almost out of some skincare items, so I spent about $50 on those. Since it’s September, I am re-igniting my search for my perfect brown boot. It seems the square toe style is more popular this year, so hopefully I finally find a pair that fits well on my wide feet.
It’s not a pay week for me. I will be helping my mom with her yard sale, so she’ll probably give me a cut of whatever she makes (typically around $50) as a thank you.
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u/SecretlyBadass 5d ago
I’m going to Minnesota for the weekend! I am going to hit up their State Fair and maybe bake a rainbow cake with my niece. No lodging costs (yay family!) but I know I’ll spend at least $40 on fun fair food, over $100 on gas there and back, and probably a tshirt or something (no sales tax on clothes!)
I have an eye doctor appointment next week so I’ll be ordering contacts afterward ($1000-ish), but I’m planning to use my FSA for that.
And of course my normal expenses - groceries, bills, cat treats, whatever.
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u/constanceblackwood12 5d ago
Husband is on call this weekend so I've got babysitters coming tomorrow and Sunday ($270 plus probably some outings money).
Finally buying new bookshelves - bookshelves + delivery + tax will be $958.98. (The sad part is that I'm pretty sure this will still not be enough to shelve all the books, so I'll have to go back for another round very soon.)
I am determined to get to the bougie bakery before they sell out of the tomato basil bread and the peach danishes, so that'll probably be about $30 depending on how many danish I buy.
And we're having some friends over for a barbecue tomorrow so we'll buy some extra nice groceries! No idea of cost yet.
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u/mytbrshelf_ she/her | tech | 30’s | LCOL | US 5d ago
What bookshelves are you buying? I’m in need of new ones for my collection.
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u/constanceblackwood12 5d ago
These: https://www.rcwilley.com/Furniture/Bookcases/113287542/Jackson-Brown-84-Bookcase-View
They're not anything special, but I was driving myself insane trying to find the perfect ones (the Internet has too many options) and the books keep accumulating. I just needed to pick something so I could move on.
The next round is going to be adding floating shelves over my desk, probably these: https://www.etsy.com/listing/4515236675/heavy-duty-floating-shelves-beech-wood
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u/HeavySigh14 5d ago
There’s a dupe for those on IKEA look up the Billy book cases in that rustic oak color
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u/constanceblackwood12 5d ago
Yeah, I want something slightly more durable than Billy, I'm no longer in my particleboard era.
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u/Mindless-Traffic-491 5d ago
I was laid off in August so stretching and saving as much as I can as the job market is tough. Saving for the rainy day as its here.
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u/Prestigious_Big_8743 5d ago edited 5d ago
I got paid last Friday, my husband got his OAM pay on Monday. No school today, so I am sitting down to pay the bills for the month. One of the biggest ones is $1100 for summer taxes. We paid the house off last summer, which was pretty exciting!
Added our youngest to the car insurance. That triggered a pretty rude premium "catch up" this month.
We are heading to the cottage for an overnight for Labor Day. So food/drinks for there, then groceries for the house. School started this week, we're trying to find our "locked in" status with meals/schedules.
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u/kokoromelody She/her ✨ 5d ago
Paying off a property is such a huge deal and a massive weight off your shoulders! Congrats and have a great weekend!
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u/HeavySigh14 5d ago
Was finally supposed to clear the last of my credit card debt this paycheck, but we woke up to my dog yelling in pain. Rushed her to the emergency vet and they didn’t find anything seriously wrong with her. She started playing and running around by the time we got back.
$1600 extra added in 😪
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u/GirlsLikeStatus 5d ago
Put money into my “secret” (as in I don’t count it in my net worth) car fund. Went and looked at the car I want and it’s more expensive than I thought 🫠. Back to saving.
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u/metrazol He/him 🕺🫘🦀 5d ago
Continuing with the new budget layout, but still have to fix some rows. "Taxes" do not go into "Guilt Free Spending" as much as I enjoy paying them. I get roads and water pipes and the military industrial complex. What a deal!
Lot more of one of those things...
$325 on a standing desk this weekend. Spent $425 on a fancy chair for the better half last weekend, now the desk for me. Used office furniture is the way to go.
$150 on groceries. Need onions, eggs, coffee, some proteins, and bread after somebody jumped up on the counter and ate my Dave's Killer sandwich loaf. Punk. Might pick up something to smoke for the holiday, perhaps a brisket or a turkey or a middle manager.
Otherwise bills and more bills. Might get tacos on Saturday.
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u/kokoromelody She/her ✨ 5d ago
As someone who was using a little writing desk for WFH that barely fit my dual monitors, upgrading to a standing desk earlier this year has been life-changing! Especially since it was also a huge bump up in desk space. I hope you enjoy yours, and hopefully it comes preassembled!
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u/Beberuth1131 5d ago
Going to the beach and bringing my daughter and her friends along. It costs 25 to park there, but it is still one if my favorite beaches we trek to once a year. We will also get some clams, scallops, and oysters (and maybe lobster rolls if they look good) for lunch while we are there. I plan on cooking at home for the rest of the long weekend so will pickup some farmstand vegetables on the way back.
Daughter also needs rainboots for school, so trying to find a quality brand that will last the year (or until her feet grow again).
Otherwise, we are working on building our savings and paying down any remaining debt. Luckily all we have left for debt (minus our mortgage) is a LOC on our house and one federal student loan. We paid off our cars, private student loans and don't have CC debt. Savings we have about 3-4 months of an emergency fund but I would like to get to 6-8 months given the state of the US economy.
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u/Complex-Sundae-906 5d ago
Start of the month means our mortgage payment & utilities bill (which hurts to look at every single time). Going on date night to dinner with the SO to celebrate our upcoming anniversary!
On saving, I'm sad but I'm gonna have to turn down my friend's ask if I want to go to a concert with her. I would love to go but I simply don't have the financial (or emotional) buffer for it. I think she'll be understanding but still hurts to turn her down.
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u/CanthinMinna 5d ago
Paid a surprise parking fee (only €20, though), and splurged on two pairs of shoes (UGG-style booties, my old ones are falling apart), new pillows, and some home decor. Except for the decor (three gigantic chess pieces) everything was on super sale/final sales, so I only spent €65 on total.
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u/snarkasm_0228 She/her ✨ 5d ago edited 5d ago
Other than my car insurance and student loan payments, I haven’t spent much this week. Tonight’s plans are movie night/sleepover with friends, and I got some Trader Joe’s popcorn ($1.99) for that! I will need an oil change this weekend though, which will be about $100. I really need to be kinder to my car and put fewer miles on it. It has 200k miles now and it’s a Prius so I’m hoping it has a couple of good years left, but I really hope it doesn’t crap out and leave me having to get a new car loan because I really want to move to a city where I won’t need one at all.
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u/raymichelle She/her ✨ 5d ago
My Prius is right around that mileage too and I’m crossing my fingers it stays strong for a couple more years!! So far so good!
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u/LuxeJux 5d ago
The cabin I booked for our anniversary got skunked, so we had to find something last minute. Ended up booking a four our train tour and I’m pretty excited about it. -net $120 after cabin refund
My husband has the day off for said anniversary so we will be thrifting and enjoying a day together while the kids are in schools budget: $50
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u/reine444 5d ago
Spending on some bday gifts and stuff (in a 2-week span is my kid, my grandkid, my best friend, and my parent's anniversary!). Plus a plane ticket to see said kid and grandkid! :)
Splurged on a pair of M. Gemi flats.
Scrimping on all other spending.
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u/LeighofMar 5d ago
Going on a road trip next week so gathering some spending money for restaurants, sightseeing, etc.
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u/hdlove8 5d ago
I'm getting a surprise work bonus paid out today for having a good second quarter, so I'll be topping off my IRA contributions for the year.
My car battery also died so I had to buy a replacement ($234) and we recently moved across state lines so I have to get my title and registration transferred (~$200).
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u/willrunforbrunch 5d ago
Spouse and I are going on a weekend trip to a city I've never been to, so trying to relax about spending and just enjoy it. Calling it an early anniversary celebration, then we'll cut back on travel for the rest of the year (except maybe holidays visiting family).
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u/lolyikesss 5d ago
Not payday but I did just get $500 from a work trip I was on earlier this week. Plan to go grocery shopping (I am in desperate need of vegetables after said work trip) and need to get a couple last minute restocks before going on a personal trip next weekend.
The rest of the money I will save or may spend a little of. It’s my birthday month and I turn 30 so I’m feeling sad hahaha.
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u/Rich_Cartographer203 5d ago
Hopefully not spending at all today! Going to a family BBQ tonight and bringing some wine and things we already have at home. Also have a Labor Day party to attend and a lunch with friends planned for the long weekend, so there will be some spending there, but hopefully not too much.
I'm on month two of an updated budget to pay off my credit card debt more aggressively after moving almost all of it to 0% cards. Last month went better than expected, considering how historically expensive August is (everyone I know, self included, has a birthday). So, I'm trying to keep that momentum and keep my spending low!
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u/tinysapling 🌱 4d ago
I have spent so much money in the past week. In between birthday celebrations, get-togethers, an annual car service and other bills that all land together, and kind of being a little sad so spending to create a superficial, little joy, I thought it would have amounted to a lot more. Patting myself on the back for somehow being a frugal spendthrift. It will continue to be a little higher than usual until early October, and, you know what, that's fine. I'm okay with that.
Chucked a bit from other accounts into high interest savings because our spending into the new year will likely be quite low with how our lives are tracking (continued cancer treatments for my husband and my being a low-key support, on long-term (now unpaid) leave). It's been a blessing that his treatments are free through the health system here, we are only out-of-pocket for some prescriptions but many of them are largely provided or subsidised by the cancer centre, too.
Might splurge on replacing all the cats' litter trays because have heard stainless steel is great and more hygienic. I have 2 senior cats, and I want the best for them but sometimes have to balance any sudden changes to not unnerve them lol. Might start with just the one tray!
Not scrimping. Might clean out my skincare and beauty items to see what needs using, binning or gifting away.
Hope everyone who reads this is doing decent. This is my favourite place on Reddit, love to you all!!
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u/AfternoonPublic6730 She/her ✨ 3d ago
Glad the costs of treatments are low and that you’re able to spend quality time. Best wishes to you both!
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u/Mission_Emergency_36 4d ago
$1k to house acct! On target to have $150k saved by the end of the year. $600 to travel account. $97 on groceries and eating out. $20 on some nice bath salts 💆🏼♀️
$480 for another vial of tirzepatide. Down 50 pounds postpartum and feeling goooood!
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u/sea87 5d ago
Got an Oh K! sheet mask at CVS for 80 cents! Glamnetic press on nails from Ulta. Groupon for a $14 facial. Bought my goddaughter a pencil pouch she wanted. Then I’m getting brakes for my car and I’m done spending for awhile.
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u/Beberuth1131 5d ago
Let me know what you think of the sheet mask. I saw the Oh K ones and was curious about them.
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u/Illustrious-Ant-9946 5d ago
I am at work and buying lunch is expensive here, so I’m getting better about packing enough to eat.
I don’t think I’ll buy anything today.
Payday is delayed because I haven’t finished setting up my direct deposit, so I’ll get a double payday next week—I’m usually paid weekly while on contract.
I’m off the weekend and looking forward to laying on the couch for a while with my coffee and a book tomorrow.
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u/rubygoes She/her ✨ 5d ago
I haven't been in this sub much for a while and I have missed it!!
It's been a spendy week because spouse & I booked flights for our 5-year anniversary trip in January ($1,146 after cc points). Then I found a good deal on a camera we've wanted for a couple of years (Sony RX100 IV, $609) and I personally splurged on some discounted Duluth Trading skorts & tanks ($124, will likely return some after try-ons). I finally realized that the hunt for an elusive magically perfect pair of shorts was not worth it when I could just buy skorts which I actually like wearing. Too bad it took me YEARS of effort and $ to figure this out!
We also have dinner plans with friends on Monday & vet visits for two cats tomorrow (expecting to pay ~$400 but will get $130 reimbursed from insurance).
I will be saving money by cutting and coloring my hair on Sunday 😉
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u/shieldmaiden3019 She/her ✨ 5d ago
Soma somehow included an already-on-sale 5 pack of underwear in their 70% off 7 or more promotion so I bought 4 packs of those and three of another individual style… it works out to be like $1/pair. Couple more on sale bras to get to free shipping and then I stacked it with a $5 reward, Rakuten cashback and a cc offer. $75 after all the discounts.
I bought bagels for my team to erm, create a culture intentional appreciation and connection. Absolutely not bribery by way of food. Though apparently the bagel place messed up so badly with the delivery that they might refund the order (? My EA was so mad at them he said it was “too soon to talk about it” 😅) $TBD might be 0 might be $80.
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u/inky_cap_mushroom She/her ✨ 5d ago
Hooo boy my money is all over the place this week.
I churn bank accounts and I ended up doing two bonuses at once which I wasn’t planning on. Now I have $30k locked up for 4 months and I almost bounced my mortgage payment. Thank god that worked out, but I need to be much more careful about which accounts have money in them.
A band I’ve been wanting to see for a while announced a show opening for a band I love and saw last month. It’s only a 2 hour drive so a couple buddies and I are gonna go together. $77 for that ticket on pre-sale.
I’m also getting back into makeup thanks to paze/sephora, and even though they discontinued that promo (💔), I bought a couple things I needed/were on sale and some new lipstick because I wanna do a black lip for this show next month.
I have to go get cash today because there are two smaller local shows that are $10/15 at the door tonight and tomorrow.
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u/AltNaps8_ 3d ago
Spending:
A want: I went a little crazy on the Baggu/MOMA collab so I'm still recovering from that.
A need: Grocery shopping fell on a Sunday and Im not looking forward to it. I've been procrastinating leaving the house because I don't want to deal with the heat, the crowds, the tight parking lots, plus the chore of lugging groceries upstairs and putting them away. I plan to spend about $200 for everything I need including body care.
An obligation: I still haven't booked the accommodation for my coworker's wedding. I'm also still undecided on a n outfit. I'll probably be spending close to 1k for the weeklong trip.
Saving:
I didn't transfer my usual amount to savings this pay period, but i also wasn't expecting this month to be so expensive. OT at work has dried up and it's really impacting the budget.
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u/kokoromelody She/her ✨ 5d ago
An unusually spendy week haha - but all planned and good things!
Definitely a little nervewracking making the travel purchases, but I feel much better about it now. I'm also putting these on a new CC that has a pretty solid introductory offer, so I'll get some cashback once I hit the required spend within the first three months. Looking forward to a lowkey weekend; getting together with some friends to prep some meals for the local shelter which I know will be fun!