CB in the City

In my last post, I reported that I was going to Walmart to buy a sim card, which would make my phone okay with Straight Talk.  Well, I went to two Walmarts, and both places told me that they could not sell a sim card separately from a plan, which I already had.  At the second Walmart, an employee, after looking at my phone specs, suggested that I switch to AT&T, to a similarly-priced plan.  We went through a long, long call with AT&T, only to learn that they were requiring a credit check, and, because my credit records are frozen, they could not take me on.  I could have unfrozen one of my accounts, but I would have had to have my pin (which I don't even remember receiving, much less know offhand).  So I just abandoned that idea and left the store.

From there I went to Target to investigate Consumer Cellular.  The tech there told me that my phone was fine with the upgrade to 5G, that it is only 3G phones that would cause problems.  That made me a bit angry at Straight Talk, for sending me on this fool's errand.  She sold me on switching to Consumer Cellular, which would be cheaper than Straight Talk and is known to have excellent customer service.

Well.  I have switched over, but after 16 hours I still can't make a call or send a text.  I was given a number to call in case of trouble, BUT I can't call of course; my phone doesn't make calls.

I am going back to Target as soon as it opens this morning.  Frustrated, to say the least.

I got my first RMD payments today.  I'm glad to finally know what my monthly income will be.  It's a bit higher than I was expecting, even with taxes being withheld.  I redid my variables spreadsheet, and now I can say with certainty that I have spent 12% of my variables budget in these three days of September.

For the last ten years or so I have had Straight Talk as the carrier for cell phone service.  Yesterday I was notified that my phone was not compatible with their new updated 5G service, and that I would have to buy a new phone.  Well, I bought a phone in March, so I wasn't crazy about that idea.  I called them today, because I thought they might not have my new phone in their records -- I don't recall that I ever let them know -- so I talked to an agent, and he said that if I went to Walmart and got a new sim card, I would probably be okay.  I'll do that tomorrow.  I've fallen into a routine where I run errands on gym days -- every three days -- and I like it.  

I got my last interest-only payment from my retirement fund just the other day, so I'm feeling quite flush!  But this was a good time for that to happen, because I think my table will be done soon and that will be a big bill.  I forgot to mention the other day that this was happening, in addition to insurance, birthdays, and property tax!

I began the new month with some moderate spending -- $40 for groceries at Aldi, and $7 for lunch at Burger King.  I have a bunch of coupons for Burger King, but I spoiled the deal by adding cheese and bacon to my burger -- which I did not need, anyway, but sounded so good!  I will try to restrain myself in the future.

While everyone else, it seems, is dealing with terrible weather, here it is cool and beautiful.  There is nothing more relaxing to me than reading in front of an open window, where a gentle breeze is wafting in.  Looks like I'll be able to do that all week!

August did not feel like a particularly low-spend month, but it was lower than usual.  Here are the details:

Housing: $795

Utilities: $192

Vacation/Travel: $150

Groceries: $142

Personal: $93

Fees/Services: $83

Car Repair/Maintenance: $81

Medical/Health: $55

Phone: $52

Household Supplies: $51

Vet/Pet Supplies: $37

Gas: $32

Eating Out/Takeout: $29

Entertainment: $16

Gifts/Charity: $15

Clothing: $15

Laundry: $14

Furnishings/Equipment/Decor: $5

Grand Total: $1857

I think the main thing is there was no big standout bill.  There were several non-monthly expenses:  the short trip to Michigan, an oil change, a haircut, the wheel tax, and the replenishment of my tollway pass.  Life.  Looking forward to a reasonably frugal September, though I will have two birthdays and condo insurance to pay.  Also the second installment on my property taxes.  

Braved the heat today with a trip to the gym and Sam's.  It was awful!  But I got some all-important toilet paper, as well as probiotics and sparkling water.  Total spending was $39.  I really shouldn't spend any more till the month ends.

My son's family is having work done on their bathroom, so I'm seeing them pretty often, as they dash over to use mine.  It's nice to see them so often!

Tomorrow I'm having breakfast with them and my ex and his wife.  He offered to take us all out to a pancake house, but everyone opted instead for bagels in his kitchen.  No one really feels like eating out while the Delta variant is having its way.

I went for an oil change this morning.  I needed a new cabin filter as well, so the total was $81.  Afterwards, I went to the gym, and then to Walgreens, where I bought some nuts and dried fruit, and picked up an 8 x 10 print of GS2 on his first day of middle school.  Total was $12.

It was very hot yesterday, and it will be very hot today.  I'm staying inside with the air on -- no cooking planned.  They say this heat wave won't break till Sunday or Monday.

I went to the gym yesterday and then to its next-door neighbor, Sam's Club.  I only wanted two items -- Member's Mark detergent pods, and lactase (dairy aid).  They had neither!  I ended up buying Gain pods, and a package of raspberries, since I was there.  Total was $35.  Then I came home and ordered a dairy aid from Amazon.  I had credits, so the cost was a very reasonable $10 for two bottles (240 caplets).

I still don't know what my income from the RMD's will be, so tracking my variables spending is going to be on hold for a while.

I met my friend for lunch in our usual city, but different restaurant.  "Our" place was closed.  We had to go to one that did not have outdoor dining -- it was really too hot for outdoor dining, anyway.  We wore masks until we were served, but of course, had to take them off to eat.  I'm a little concerned because we were in Indiana, which I think is going to become the next Florida.  Republican governor, soaring positivity rate, low compliance to recommendations, vaccines thrown out because people won't get vaccinated, school boards and parents at war because of masks -- no thank you.  I probably took a risk being there and being unmasked, however briefly, but I am hoping we dodged a bullet.  Anyway, the lunch was $19, and afterwards I bought a sundae at Culver's for $5.  In between, we went to the fairgrounds and sat at a covered picnic table and talked.  Great conversation.  I feel like I got a fill-up of happiness!

Speaking of a fill-up, I also got gas for $19.  I was only half a tank down, but gas is so much cheaper in Indiana; I always try to take advantage of being there.

I also picked up a box of the new food that Iggy likes -- it was $17.

Today I'm just hanging out.  The air is on, but I may be able to turn it off tomorrow.  Coolness awaits.

Yesterday I got my hair cut -- first time since June 3.  I had my hairdresser take off two inches and it feels so much better.  It was quite expensive.  The shop's price for a woman's haircut is $73, and I only had a $20 bill for a tip, so I gave him that.  Yikes, almost $100 for a haircut!  At least with this style I don't have to get it trimmed too often.

My hair looked amazing until two hours later when the humidity spoiled it.  Oh well.  I should have better luck with my hair when fall weather begins.

Today is payday.  I paid my mortgage and credit cards (in full).

On Friday I'm going to meet my BFF for lunch.  Can't wait!  It's been a while, because the Delta variant has both of us spooked.  But we will eat outside and take masks for any indoor activity.  We're both vaccinated, but both cautious.

Another friend, who is living in a retirement home, has been returned to a lockdown situation because of an outbreak.  Sigh.  So tired of this.

Today was a busy day.  I went to the gym, then went to DSW to use my $5 birthday coupon.  I couldn't find anything for myself, but with an extra $2 I bought a pair of Smartwool socks for my son, which I'll probably give him for Christmas.  Then I had lunch at Panera - $11.  From there, I went to Kohl's and used another $5 birthday coupon to buy myself a watch.  The watch was rather inexpensive, but I like it.  With the coupon it was only $15.  Next stop was the senior center, to pay my wheel tax (residential street parking fee).  There were five people already in line, and the line was not moving, so I left.  I have until September 30 to do this.  Next stop was my eye doctor's office.  I had received a birthday coupon for a free pair of sunglasses.  I thought they would be really cheap, but they ordered me a pair costing $35 -- it was a good deal!  They will come in the mail.  Then I went over to Walgreens to pick up an 8 x 10 print of GS1's first-day-of-high-school photo.  It was only .40, because I had $4 in credit at Walgreens!  So all in all, it was a pretty successful spending day.  

Before I left the house, I called TIAA, who holds my retirement funds, and arranged to have taxes withheld from my RMDs.  Many thanks to Dido, who gave me excellent advice!

Until I get my disbursements, I don't know exactly what my new income is, so I have yet to adjust the variables spreadsheet.

I had a brief scare, thinking I had lost my phone.  It had only fallen down beside the seat in the car, which I discovered when I got a chirping notification.  I had never set a lock screen before, fearing that I would lock myself out, but today I changed that.  It's just too risky not to do it.

I did a bit of shopping yesterday and today -- bought blueberries and probiotics at Sam's ($16), lunch at McDonald's ($4), and groceries at Aldi ($39).

I called TIAA yesterday and set up my RMD.  Because I have two funds, from two different employments, I'll get two monthly payments.  It's a little more than I expected.  I'll have to be careful with my new wealth, haha.

My street has finally been finished.  Today I am parked right out front and it feels so good to park without hassle again.  And the weather has cooled off, so all things are looking up!

Last night storms rolled through, and they were rougher than I thought they would be.  I lost power at about 11 pm and it didn't resume until 11 am this morning.  Yep, 12 hours without power.  At least I can be assured that the freezer food is okay.  As far as the fridge food goes, I will have to throw away chicken, eggs, soft cheese, almond milk, and leftover Welsh Rabbit.

I ate breakfast and lunch out because I did not want to open the fridge -- I spent $5 on breakfast and $9 on lunch.  I also bought gas for $32.  Variables are at 39%.

While I was waiting, I went to the library to restock on books, and I dropped a chair off at the refinishers so he knows what shade of stain to use on my table.

This evening I'm going to my son's house for pizza and board games, because it's my BIRTHDAY!  But the best present I'll get is getting the power restored.  When it's out, you really understand how much you rely on it .  Since it's a 90+ degree day, I'm especially glad to have the AC running again!

I got back from my weekend with my brother last night, exhausted because the traffic was so bad.  Google Maps sent me on a number of detours to avoid stoppages -- I don't know if it really paid off, but it was interesting!

I spent $29 on gas and $41 on eating out.  I did get to see my old teacher/friend and we had a nice lunch together, despite his having forgotten his hearing aids, so sometimes it seemed we were on separate conversations.  It didn't help that we ate outdoors, lakeside, so there was a lot of noise from boats passing by.

My brother fed us fabulously as usual, and my grandsons had a great time in the pool and tubing behind the boat.  My brother did voice some thoughts about selling and downsizing, so our luxurious vacations may be coming to an end!  But I don't blame him -- there is a lot of maintenance involved in his home, and he is ready to rest a little.  His own family doesn't really use the pool a lot, and the boat is aging -- I doubt they would replace it, even if they stay at their location.  Too much trouble for too little use.  Like the pool.

I came home to find my street still unfinished, but the "no parking" signs are down and the street is lined with parked cars, so I joined the crowd.  I assume when they are ready to finish, they'll put the signs back up again, and I'll start looking for parking spaces elsewhere again.

I heard from the refinisher.  I can come in and look at the table in its stripped state, and I will bring in a chair so he match the stain.  With any luck I should have a table in a few weeks.  I am supposed to call him tomorrow to set up a time, but I'm going to ask for a Wednesday slot.  My Discover card will close then, and if he wants a payment I'd like to get it on the next cycle.

After the mini-vacation, variables are at 31%.  That's just a little high, but not too bad.  

Now that I am reaching the old age of 72, it's time to set up my RMD.  I'll start the process on my birthday, which is Wednesday.  Hope it's going to be easy.

After I went to the gym today, I stopped in at Sam's to get something to take to my brother's house this weekend.  It will be a full house there, as my son's family is coming, too, so I got some La Croix sparkling water, Bacardi cocktails, pistachios, and pub mix.  Party food!  It cost me $45.  Then I went to Jewel to buy some items I can't get at Aldi, and that cost $32.  Variables are now at 20%, only five days into the month.   Oh well.

I have quite a bit of perishable food in the fridge, so I'll have to deal with that before I leave.  Most of it I can cook and freeze.  I'm not going to be gone that long, but it's all at the point where something needs to be done or it will go bad.

Hot and humid again, so the air is on.  It seems like it is not going to be a frugal month.

Made a quick trip to Aldi this morning, spending $32.  My county is a Delta variant hotspot, so masks are required in indoor public spaces.  I was pleased to see that everyone was wearing them in Aldi.

I'm planning to go see my brother in Michigan this weekend.  I feel a little bit creepy about traveling, but I am fully vaccinated, and I won't be stopping on the way, except at a gas station, perhaps.  And once there, I will mostly stay at my brother's, and we will spend a lot of time outside, weather permitting.  I am trying to get in touch with my friend who is a former teacher of mine -- we usually meet for lunch -- so far he has not answered, but I expect I will hear from him soon.  I asked him to suggest venues with outdoor seating.  Never hurts to be super cautious!

Well, it's a fresh new month.  It's always fun to start a new spreadsheet.  Today I entered $4 for groceries (strawberries) and $2 for laundry.  Variables are a whopping 1%.

I talked to my sister today and found out that she has had gall bladder surgery, plus a short stay in the hospital for AFib.  I knew her silence was ominous.

I met my son and grandsons in the park today for a board game on the picnic table.  It was lots of fun, and, oh, I won!

A neighbor told me that the resurfacing work on my street will be done on Friday.  I hope she's right.  It's been a long wait.

I won't be doing any spending today, so I did my July recap:

Housing: $795

Insurance: $710

Utilities: $219

Groceries: $145

Vet/Pet Supplies: $126

Vacation/Travel: $63

Medical/Health: $53

Phone: $52

Household Supplies: $52

Gas: $34

Eating Out/Takeout: $28

Furnishings/Equipment/Decor: $17

Entertainment: $16

Laundry: $16

Gifts/Charity: $12

Clothing/Accessories: $12

Fees/Services: $5

Grand Total: $2355

Variables: 79%

Not much to comment on -- the insurance was my semi-annual auto payment.  Groceries were a bit high -- my average is $107 -- but prices are creeping up.  I'm still working hard to stretch my food as much as possible and to eliminate waste.  Eating out was lower than usual, so I guess that makes up for it.  Pet supplies were pretty high, but I am in catch-up mode after two months of spending little in that category.

My big splurges this month were a new baseball hat and a new fan.

Just going to be hanging around home today.  The weather is cool, so it will be open windows instead of air conditioning.  No laundry to do, nothing to cook.  I'll be reading and writing!  I am 45 pages into what I think will be a novella.  We'll see.  I am a very slow writer!  I rewrite and polish a lot!

Yesterday I took a walk to the mailbox and then to Walgreens, where I bought a birthday card ($6).  It was pretty hot, but VERY humid, and I was soaked with sweat by the time I got home.  Last night storms rolled through, but so far I am not feeling the promised change in humidity and temperature.

I'm going to the gym today and I plan to going to Sam's afterwards for creamer and raspberries.  My grocery spending for the month is already higher than usual, but these are two items that are important to me.  Variables are at 77% with only two days left, but after my shopping today that will change.

Yesterday I ventured out into the heat -- went to the gym, then to the vet's office to buy more fluids.  I got two bags this time, plus a dozen needles; total cost was $28.  Then I went to the senior center to make a deposit into my travel account.  I could only put in $63, which topped my usable dollars at $150.  I'm not allowed to go any higher than that (didn't know that before -- I'm sure I was told but didn't take it in).  I was hoping to use this account for an Amtrak ticket, but with the $150 cap that won't be possible, so I guess I will continue to use it for Uber, though I rarely need it.  Or find out if Amtrak will accept a split payment.  Anyway, it will be a while before I decide how to use it.

I also got lunch at the McDonalds drive-through.  This is starting to turn into a bad habit.  I was quite hungry, but I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would.  Anyway, it was $6.

I am still not able to park on my block.  They are doing extensive road work.  Yesterday they took up all the old pavement and I'm waiting for them to put down new.  It will be nice after it's all done, but it's a pain trying to find a place to park.  It was complicated today by sweeping on the other blocks, so parking spaces were essentially cut in half -- will be the same tomorrow when they sweep the other side of the street.  So tired of moving my car to ever more distant places, but I guess I can appreciate that I'm getting some extra exercise.

We're supposed to turn off or turn down our electricity this afternoon to conserve it -- it's a bad day to have to do that, but I do get a credit on my bill if I do.  Right now I'm letting the cool air build up and this afternoon I'll lie down and read during the off hours.  If it's unbearable I won't let myself suffer, because, actually, the credit is never that large.

Hmmm.  No one has made an entry since mine three days ago.  I wonder if people are having trouble on the site again, or are people losing interest in posting?  I hope not!

Yesterday I went to Sam's after my gym session and bought probiotics for $9 and apples for $8.  Then I stopped at Burger King and bought an Impossible burger lunch for $10.  Variables are at 62%, which is good.  However, a large chunk of money went to my semi-annual auto insurance payment, so the overall spending is getting close to my income.

We are entering a steamy hot period, so my AC is on, and will be for a while.  So far my electric bill has not been much higher than usual, but this month might be different.

I decided to get my driver's license renewed this morning.  It took all morning.  I had to stand in line outside the facility for about an hour -- they are not letting in as many people at a time as they used to.  Once I got in, it took a couple more hours, but most of that time I could sit.  The fee was a whopping $5.  I assume that was a senior benefit in action.  I got the Real ID license, even though as a passport holder, I don't really need it.  I may need it when my passport expires.

On the way there, I got breakfast at McDonalds for $4.  And afterwards, I went to the Jewel right there in the same plaza and bought some things I can't get at Aldi.  Total cost was $20.  Variables are now at 57%.  Oh, that includes an Amazon order I made this morning for more pet supplies, pellets for the litter box.  $35.

It's pay day, so I also transferred funds for my mortgage and paid my two credit cards in full.

Baseball tonight -- the first playoff game in the season's last tournament.  Who knows, it may end tonight.

I made a run to Aldi's this morning, spending $34.  Variables are at 42%.  In the afternoon I went to the library and checked out 8 books.

Tomorrow is a gym day, and then I'll go to Sam's and pick up some cough drops.  

Wednesday is a baseball day.  The game is not until 5:30, and I'm toying with the idea of getting my license renewed in the morning.  But it might be a long day at the DMV, and maybe it would be best to wait for a day when nothing else is going on.  I tire easily these days.

I started a Piyo routine yesterday, but I'm quite sore today, so maybe I pushed it too hard.  I thought I was being pretty easy on myself!  I'm going to rest today.  Tomorrow is strength training, and then maybe I can try Piyo again on Thursday.

For once, the weather was beautiful.  After many days of gray skies and rain, and, alternatively, blistering heat, we finally had a day that was cool, breezy, sunny and fresh.  Loved it.

I went to the gym in the morning and then to Sam's to buy dishwasher pods ($22).  While there, I found a baseball hat with a bee logo and "Bee Kind" written on it.  I love bees, and I loved the hat.  It's a pretty butter yellow.  I paid $11 for it, and wore it to my grandson's game, which was awesome.  Once again, the team won, and GS1 made two great hits resulting in two RBI's, made a spectacular catch, and just did a good job all round.  He was very happy.

I was very tired when I came home.  I made a meal of leftover mac and cheese, and the last of the salad.  I watched a couple of episodes of "McCartney" on Hulu.  I should have done some laundry, but I decided to put it off till tomorrow.

Tonight I am finishing a book.  The windows are open and the breeze is wonderful.  I hope tomorrow is as nice as today.

FYI, the parking ban I mentioned in my last post was lifted quickly.  The city was trimming trees, and they got it done in the morning.  Parking is easy once again.

Today our whole block is under a parking ban -- cars will be towed if they are parked on the street.  Not sure what's going on -- some kind of public works/construction thing, but no action yet.  I found a spot last night further down the street, where there is no ban.  Hope this doesn't last too long.

Yesterday the little fan I use in the bathroom to fight condensation gave out, so I ordered a new one on Amazon.  $15.  Variables are now at 32%. 

I do not plan on going out today, unless it is on foot.  

My birthday is coming up next month, and that means I need to renew my driver's license soon.  I have to apply for the Real ID license (in person) because I didn't get it done before the pandemic.  I have researched the ID requirements and have printed off a checklist.  I'll take care of it next week, but I think first I'll get my hair cut.  I don't want my current head of tumbleweed to be the image on my driver's license for the next four years!  My hairdresser is in Greece, visiting his family, so I might just sneak back to Supercuts and hope for the best.

Yesterday, after my workout at Planet Fitness, I went to Sam's, which is in the same plaza.  I bought a bulk package of Kleenex -- 12 boxes -- for $15.  They did not have my preferred cube shape; instead, I settled for flat boxes.  I assume it is another one of those supply chain issues.  

Variables are at 30%, and I'm approximately halfway through the month.  That's good, but with the huge semi-annual auto insurance payment, the monthly total will be high.  And if my table is done during this month it will be very high.  I am still waiting to hear that I need to bring in a chair to match the stain.  Any day now.

I'm going to spend the day reading, in order to finish one of those "most wanted" books.  One I won't get to, but I will have finished three by the end of the day.  As soon as I'm done I'll go drop them in the outside return bin.

Tomorrow starts another round of baseball games, three in a row.

Two more baseball games, and they were both amazing.  One was a decisive win, 16-1, and the other was a close win, 9-8, an incredible comeback -- and my grandson made the winning run.  I tell you, this free entertainment is the best!

Today I made an Aldi run and spent $37, then popped over to PetSmart and bought cat food for $15.  This is another attempt to get Iggy to eat wet food.  This time I bought Friskies packets with gravy.  If he won't eat it, I'll give it to my son's cat.

I also bought gas for $34.  The tank was pretty low.

I got an email notice from the library that four of the books I have checked out are due on Wednesday and they can't be renewed.  I was getting comfortable with the relaxed rules during the pandemic, but they are back to original rules.  The reason the four books cannot be renewed is that they are "Most Wanted" -- cannot be put on hold and cannot be renewed.  This ensures a ready supply of popular books, but you sure do have to read fast because the loan period is only one week.  Had I known the rules had changed back, I would not have checked out four of them.  So I'm reading like crazy!

I attended GS1's baseball game last night.  It was very exciting.  Our team came from behind in the last inning and won.  In celebration, the team went to Culver's for dinner.  I went along and I spent $7 on my meal.  I wasn't going to spend anything till Monday, but I paid cash, which will make less of an impact on my budget than charging it.

There is another game tonight and one on Saturday.  I trust there will be no food costs.

After some really hot days the weather has cooled off and I am able to get along without air conditioning.  Not only does it save money, but it is such a relief to cut off that noise!

Well, it happened again.  Like my electricity bill, the gas bill was not automatically taken from my new bank account.  I don't know what happened there -- did I actually forget to update my utilities with the new account?  It's possible.  Anyway, I fixed it -- I think.

My auto insurance payment and my Medicare Advantage premium went through okay.  My checking account is under $1K now, which I don't like to see.  I'm going to try to make this a no-spending week.

This is going to be a quiet day for me -- other than the fireworks I'll hear all night!  I'm not going to a show; I may watch fireworks on TV.

Yesterday I went to GS1's baseball game, and afterwards the whole family went out for brunch.  Yeah, it was a very early game.  I was treated, so it was no cost to me, and I even had enough leftovers for supper.

Tomorrow we are getting together at my ex's house to play games, and I'm sure there will be food involved, as well.

I spent $49 at the vet's office the other day.  Most of that was for a big bag of kidney diet food, but I also picked up a fluid bag and needles.  Variables are at 14%.

I'm expecting my semi-annual auto insurance payment to be withdrawn from my bank account on Tuesday.  That'll be $710.  Seems like it just keeps going up; I guess it's my age.

This morning I went to the bank to close my frozen account, and learned that it cannot be closed until 180 days have passed.  If I was told that, I don't remember it.  I was going on the idea that it could be closed when I had updated all my autopays and direct deposits.  So it was a waste of time, especially since I couldn't make an appointment online -- the site wasn't working right and insisted that there were no appointments available for the rest of the month.  So I just popped in, and had to wait for two other people to finish their appointments.  And I wasn't allowed to leave and come back!  What's that about?

I did take the opportunity to order a box of checks.  I doubt that I will need them much, but every once in a while you do need to pay by check.  The cost was $14.

Afterwards, I went to Aldi and bought 15 items for $31.  And then did a load of laundry for $2.

Tomorrow I have two baseball games to attend, and another one on Saturday.  I will have to stop at the vet's office on the way to pick up fluids and needles.  I'm getting low, and the office won't be open again until Tuesday.

It has cooled off considerably, and I'm enjoying the break from the air conditioner.  I wish my Oregon son would get a break, heat-wise.  At least they have central air, and they have been going swimming at the local pool every day.  But still it must be hard, dealing with temperatures over 110.  I can't even imagine it.