Question

Anyone else shocked at how much money you're saving by staying home all day every day?  It's amazing!  

Answer 1

I am spending more because all my kiddos are home and eating everything, using all the TP, and I look at amazon more for a break. LOL

Comments

@clynes I feel ya

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@clynes Yes! Same

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@clynes I hide the snacks  

Answer 2

Sooo much gas! And no daycare! We also haven’t done take out so only eating at home we see a HUGE difference.  

Answer 3

We are saving a ton of money! (If only our income wasn't cut in half)

Answer 4

We had around 1600 left over last month. still unsure where to allocate it!  

Answer 5

So. Much. On. Groceries. (Ok. not all mine, I pick up for my mom who is quarantined, their neighbor/friend tested positive) but man, I have never had so many times where I spent over $200 on a walmart pickup.  

Answer 6

For real! We looked at our account yesterday and the fb said “ we don’t know how that can be right”

Answer 7

I’ve saved soooo much by not eating out and only buying groceries. Also saving lots by not getting my nails done and eyebrows waxed.  

Answer 8

Mines more, 23yo daughter with us, food budget more

Answer 9

My groceries went up. but it does not equal what I spend on gas, tolls, eating out, entertainment(bowling, play places, etc. ) I have had to smack myself on the hand to not shop cause I am bored

Answer 10

Yes! No after school, no extra curricular activities, no gasoline. Crazy!  

Answer 11

Nope. Way more

Answer 12

Yes I have had the same tank of gas for 3 weeks.  

Answer 13

I haven't gotten gas in almost 2 weeks. We homeschool so I am used to feeding all the mouths all the time; however, we are working on using ip what we already have and only go to the store for fresh fruit, veg, milk, eggs, cheese. I am hoping to save about 1500 this month. Just put it into savings! Totally shows me how much I spend by going out and about. Also shows me what we truly NEED

Comments

Right? I can't believe I was spending so much on eating out! It's crazy! I got paid last Friday and I still have almost my entire paycheck. Still quite in shock!  

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@septi, that is AWESOME! We just got paid and have of course rent due and a car pmt, but all other bills are current. I'm excited to see how much we can put into savings

Answer 14

Yep. definitely haven’t been online shopping. totally saving money.  

Comments

LMAO! I almost got on last night and bought some shoes and then thought, WHERE THE HECK WILL I WEAR THEM!?!?!? And then I got right off.  

Answer 15

Yes me too  

Answer 16

Yes! I was able to save $1000 already

Comments

@entophyte, EXCELLENT

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@ralina it goes to show how much I spend on my variable spending that may be unnecessary!  

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@entophyte, me too! ‍♀️

Answer 17

I’m saving on gas, that’s about it. Utilities are going to be higher.  

Comments

@madi546 do you think I meant gas in the home? I’m talking about saving on gas fuel for my vehicle. Also, my house is all electric. So either way, saving on gas. Lol

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@perspective that would be great!  

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@perspective I hope you guys do get a refund! It would help out a lot of people if every electric company started following suit!  

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@nitaniter sorry I misunderstood the comment. It says saving on gas then I realised you ladies mean petrol and not the actual gas  

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I would welcome it for sure. But I’m not going to bank on anything until I see the credit in my account or on my statement. Until then it is all “the check is in the mail”.  

Answer 18

Way more money on groceries since we're all home.  

Answer 19

I’m still working just with hours cut. It’s not the spending less it’s the making less that hurts. I have 6 weeks before I’m due and then dependent on the maternity leave. I wish I had started earlier on this journey to be more prepared.  

Comments

I wish I had started earlier, but honestly just having access to this community is amazing and helpful. It helps me stay on track and gives me an outlet when I want to spend willy nilly.  

Answer 20

Yes! Saving so much on gas and I’m on a no online shopping either Bc I’m not working and have $0 income but somehow it’s still seeming to balance out. So clearly I was wasting a lot ‍♀️

Answer 21

Nope. 3x grocery for sure.  

Answer 22

Saving about 600/month on gas. but a good chunk is going to groceries. Plus saving from not having any activities to go to.  

Comments

I couldn't imagine driving that much. I hate driving. LOL

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@septi our gas is fairly expensive. (regularly but not right now) Plus long commutes (like most people who live in our area)

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@ralina Baldwin I saw the gas in my area was 2. 39 today and I was like OMG I want to go buy gas just to pay that cheap price! LOL Two weeks ago it was about 3. 00!  

Answer 23

Yes for me overall - mostly from Not driving and all of my kids activities were cancelled saving lots there. But spending more on food!  

Answer 24

Saving on gas but spending more on groceries because the items left are higher prices and if there is something missing I have to go to more stores which defeats the purpose of SIP. Although I meal plan for two weeks at a time so I don't have to go every week but still. Also more on things for the kids to do, bubbles, puzzles, coloring books, activity books, reading books, etc. Also I'm sure our utilities will go up next month.  

Answer 25

No spending it all since no job

Answer 26

I ended up blowing march. but setting up April with a plan to get back on track

Answer 27

I’m spending more on food and online shopping

Answer 28

I’m not ordering food or online shopping

Answer 29

Lol yes I didn’t realize how much daily Starbucks and occasional lunch out was adding up to Not to mention dining out for dinner (2/3 times a week)

Comments

@explicative yes! We are only ordering take out once a week now! Both my boyfriend and I are essential workers (although my hours have been cut 75%) we find it to be a nice treat to order out once a week)  have too look for the positive during this time

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I have all the time in the world to cook now, and I’m just afraid of everything from outside I spray packages and let them sit for few hrs . I always been a bit of nut when it came to grocery scrubbed everything imagining people touching what I eat, so no changes there. In all honesty my life has been so busy in last few years that it’s so nice to slow down for a change

Answer 30

I’m definitely not spending as much, but I’m also making zero dollars since I’m nonessential

Comments

@leroylerwick193 Fleming same

Answer 31

Welllll. I’m finding that I’m tackling all the redecorating projects. Wayfair is my new bff. Plus we are eating out and supporting our fave local restaurants. And I’m overtipping. I am essential so I’ve still got my job. We are just getting flexed out a lot because of low census at the hospital.  

Answer 32

I'm about to get a pay/hours cut and I'm pretty unphased by it because the expenses are so low right now. I will make up for about half of the paycut in gas savings alone.  

Answer 33

Hubby laid off next week for a few weeks I think. We will save on gas for sure! But we are buying more groceries ‍♀️

Answer 34

Not saving much at all! Maybe a little on gas since we aren’t traveling to daycare and it’s closed but both me and hubs still working. But I’m still having to pay someone to watch out girls and having to buy more food for them at home

Answer 35

More groceries, some new toys for the kids, a hair cutting set, still have to pay half of daycare even though he's not there. Just bought a new desk, monitor/ keyboard set for a second workspace. BUT I'm thankful that both my husband and I still have jobs. So so thankful. I think once we settle in more I'll be better with saving. I hope.  

Comments

@warder42 this is definitely me too! More random activities for small kids so we can TRY to wfh with them here. Oof. But yes, very thankful! We went over budget in March, hopefully April will be a big savings!  

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@slake82983 I've got marble run coming Saturday! Ha.  

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@warder42 we got one like a week ago!  

Answer 36

I do not like online shopping, our gas is 1/4 what it was, and I refuse to do takeout I don’t think it’s worth the risk. I still can’t wrap my mind around how/why takeout is essential  We have lost a good bit of income and groceries have gone up but we are still in excellent shape. I was afraid losing our side jobs we would be only able to pay our bills but not save or pay towards debt but when I did our April budget I was pleasantly surprised by how much we would have for those things after all!  

Answer 37

I only spent $100 last month on gas! It was amazing! And I’ve done really well with not doing any online shopping!  

Answer 38

We are saving some but in the middle of packing and moving so we have the money for that instead  

Answer 39

Not spending on non essentials but I’m also not making any income anymore either so.  

Answer 40

Not really. I’ve been ordering crap from amazon and target.  

Comments

@delamare man I was to until I realized the shipping was not until the end of april. if it's not essential shipping is pushed back even on prime . now I have to find another way to order easter gifts ‍♀️‍♀️

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@indehiscent my amazon stuff still came within 4 days or so. Target has been really quick as well. One item from amazon said it wasn’t shipping til May?! I got it last Friday

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Whaaaaaat lucky!  

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@indehiscent it tells me ship date is x. Then I’ll get a notification it shipped haha

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Like this one.  

Answer 41

Yayyyy finally a happy post about staying in ! This is how I feel ! Stacking all the coins!  

Comments

Right! I don't mind staying home and working from home, I might have Covid-19 since I started having a fever last night, but at least I have everything I need and don't need to go out at all for at least a month.  

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@septi awww wow I’m sorry I pray that you don’t!  well that’s very good that you’re prepared. I still hope you don’t have it though.  

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Yeah. I'm praying it's just the flu or something, I have like no immune system and damaged lungs from a previous illness that attacked my lungs, so fingers are crossed! I'm taking everything under the sun to try to combat it. LOL Even essential oils.  

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@septi oh wow sending prayers and positive vibes ! At least you kept your sense of humor lol

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Hey at this point, all you can do is laugh. Laughter is the best medicine right? LOL

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@septi yes ma’am this is very true lol *virtual hugs*  

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@demb507 Thank you!  

Answer 42

Gas, not eating out. It adds up I know but it's shocking me now how much it actually is.  

Comments

Right this is me! On Monday I was like whoa! I didn't spend ANY money over the weekend, and still had my entire paycheck and since then I still have almost the entire thing. I keep thinking what the heck was I spending it on? LOL

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@septi i had a little over 300 left to buy groceries with!  

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That is awesome! I was surprised because I was able to actually help out my Mom and brother who didn't have any extra. It really opened my eyes.  

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@septi That's a wonderful feeling. Being able to help someone you love out. I'm so happy for you!  

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It is an eye opener. I track my spending categories and in February i spent $173 just on meals out. Horrible.  

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@blowing The best feeling!  

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@septi  

Answer 43

What we “saved” in a few categories has been spent on additional groceries and household items especially since the the prices are higher.  

Answer 44

It is so amazing!  

Answer 45

Not me! My grocery bill is crazy! Every time I go I spend a minimum of $50 so any other savings has been ate up there.  

Answer 46

Saving in lots of areas but my grocery budget has been blown.  

Answer 47

Saving on not going out but buying more groceries and supplies

Answer 48

I did a no spend for the first time last week. Amazing results. We spent more money eating out and non essentials than I realized. I reconcile my account every month but it was still a huge eye opener. Between that and gas and kicking my "I really need a Dunkin Donuts coffee" habit, it adds up!  

Answer 49

Yes! And the pollution of the environment has improved!  

Answer 50

Lol, no because we've had zero income since we were banned from running our businesses in our state.  

Comments

@eastbourne oh no! What’s your business? Do you qualify for the unemployment?  

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My husband is a Personal Trainer and runs and fitness business - all gyms have been shut down for. over two weeks. I am a Professional Organizer and work inside clients homes - it is considered nonessential and isn't permitted until further notice. Yes we both qualify for unemployment and have applied but we don't know when that will get here and it's not going to equal the income we were making and we were already living paycheck to paycheck/not making every bill each month. We were *JUST* about to turn a corner - March would have been the first month we were going to be able to pay everything on time and have money for food and gas, lol.  

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@eastbourne just hang in there xx We will all get over this even if it sets us back a few months. I'm a CLEANER and my money has gone to zero x

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Tracey, yes my job is very similar to a cleaner/house keeper for many of my clients - weekly upkeep. Make sure you apply for unemployment - Best of luck!  

Answer 51

No because I still work for a living and no one is taking cash so I have to use my card for everything

Answer 52

Yep lol.  I have one thing on my expense sheet for this month, and that's birthday money deposit.  

Comments

Is it your birthday month? Happy Birthday if it is!  

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Yep! April 9th. Thank you  

Answer 53

I have spent much more than usual on groceries but have saved a few hundred on gas and toll since i commute and haven’t had to pay any child care since I’ve been working from home the last couple weeks. The earliest we would go back to work in our building would be May 4th so I’ll save a good amount of money during the month of April

Comments

@flushing That's us too. They won't even give us a date to go back to our building but I'm totally fine with that. I'd rather work at home and have piece and quiet. I have been getting so much more work done since people can't stop at my desk or my boss can't call me into her office for a chat that last 3 hours.  

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The county my job is has shelter in place until at least may 1 so I’m sure it will be awhile. I’ve also been able to get a good amount of work done on my work shift.  

Answer 54

No. We are spending more  

Answer 55

Saving on gas and tolls but these kids eat a lot more being home all day lol

Comments

@hamate18 mine is taring some cereal and milk up like crazy lol  we buy like 2 gallons a week

Answer 56

I'm hoping to save a little bit more this month from my cash envelopes since we're not eating out, and only going to the grocery store when absolutely necessary (it's just the me and my husband).  

Answer 57

Could be saving more if I stop buying stuff from Amazon everyday ‍♀️

Comments

@dicentra269 Same here and Kohls lol  

Answer 58

Hahaha im the opposite i brought a cot a pram 2 cot mattresses baby swing bouncer 2 baby car sets yesterday for my 2 pregnant daughters  I wanted to get them incase for some reason they couldnt now back to saving

Answer 59

Yes! I'm not making anything (other than 2 very gracious daycare parents who are paying me) but Im saving sooooooo much not having to buy food and supplies! Put things into perspective!  

Answer 60

Saving on lots of things without being able to pay for them, ie bills, rent, food

Answer 61

We were blessed enough that we both are still getting paid and have work through all of this all my expenses have been cut by 1/2 or 2/3 in some cases but with not knowing how long this is going to last we are putting everything back that we can and reducing nonessential bills

Answer 62

I started a No Spend calendar because I’ve been online shopping  

Answer 63

We have been saving the money that we would have spent on daycare and gas and putting it in savings. My grocery bill is up significantly though! The kids seem to need 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners  

Answer 64

$234 in my envelopes from last pay period due to sitting home. I spent money online though. ‍♀️ lol

Answer 65

Haven’t touched my gas or beauty envelopes! Also saving more on food because we haven’t eaten out!  

Answer 66

We're not saving anything. Spending more actually. But we're both essential workers so not a whole lot has changed, except for our days off.  

Answer 67

I was able to save a lot by not having to travel and pay for soccer last month. We were able to pay for half of our fence from checking and the rest only from savings. But I miss the busyness.  

Answer 68

My husband just made the joke last night how much money he is saving since the restaurants and bars are closed. He was a happy hour guy but obviously can’t go anymore.  

Answer 69

No because my bills haven’t changed and Publix won’t load my order on their truck so instead of 0. 99/lb for my dogs raw meaty bones I’m paying $2. 69-2. 99/lb.  

Answer 70

We’ve been eating out more unfortunately. hubby was in a bad accident a week ago and after taking care of him, 4 kids and 2 dogs plus the house I didn’t want to cook. Now we are looking at our probably 40, 000 in medical bills  it’s crazy! Now we’re working on making a garden area and a list for what we need to fix on our house. it’s getting long. I’m a nurse so I still have work.  

Answer 71

Lol tell me about it. Blessing in disguise.