Facing Our Finances
I have to admit that over the past few months, our spending has been a little out of control. Some of this is due to unforeseen medical circumstances but a lot of it is due to a lack of discipline when it comes to shopping.
I mean, let’s face it, shopping can be LOTS of fun. It’s even more fun when you’re not working to any sort of budget or tracking where the money is going.
Until the credit card bill comes. 
The good news is that I’ve been aware that our income cannot sustain my level of spending in recent times.
The bad news is that I still had to find a way to undo the damage already done.
The good news is, we have money in savings.
The bad news is that money is supposed to be earmarked for the big trip.
(did you ever have to write one of those stories in Primary School “What good luck…, what bad luck…?”)
The good news is I’m managing to scrape enough money together so far that I haven’t had to dip into savings.
The bad news is, I’m still paying for spending in late January and throughout February (so essentially, we’re behind because I technically don’t have the funds to cover what I’ve spent on the credit cards since then).
The good news is, I should have the money to pay for those bills by the time the next credit card bill is due (another month’s time).
And so on it goes.
In an ideal world I probably should do away with using the credit card altogether. But it’s just SO convenient.
To change the subject a little:
It’s been over a month since I’ve updated my BHAG. So far, I haven’t had to delve into this money to cover my spending faux pars so we’ll continue on our merry little way and hope that I can sort out this over-spending while keeping my little “nest egg” intact.
Last Update Total (2/2/09) $2834.31
Amounts to be added:
Interest: $163.41
Simple Savings Affiliate payment: $11.00
Clean out of old handbag (cash from last year’s budget): $101.70
New Total: $3110.42
With 15 weeks to go (oh my!), I need to find around $125 a week on average to reach my goal.
Similar Posts:
- BHAG : Final Wrap Up
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- BHAG Update - 2 Months To Go
- What Do You Do With Any Money Saved?
- September Groceries
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Retail therapy is great but oh so hard on the hip pocket.
I ended up cutting my credit card into little pieces. We still have my husbands credit card but it lives in my wallet not his. He can’t use it because I have it, I can’t use it because I don’t know the pin and can’t sign for it. So we have to be together and make joint decisions on credit card purchases, which is a very good thing.
Well done, you are helping the economy by shopping
Plus Mr Rudd is giving us more to do so with the Economic Stimulus Package. I decided to spend it rather than save it, just as Mr Rudd wants. I could not help myself - $57 airfares to Perth were too hard to resist so I have booked for 3 of us to go visit daughter in WA in May.
At least you have a plan and a goal. Stick to it. You can reach you goal.
for sure.You are going to spend it ‘locally’ In Australia soon enough.
PM Rudd’s stimilus package with 3 school kids - will help you
Marita’s idea is great !!!
I am in total admiration of you for your wonderful openness. I relate closely to what you have written- credit cards do make it so easy to just treat yourself, mind you we do deserve that too!
I feel confident that you will achieve your BHAG,and i apologise for my slackness in getting back to you
I just love you openness and honesty