Here is my final budget for November.
The telephone expense includes two months of payments. I can't believe that I spent 1200 on medical expenses this month. I have got to do something to get these medical expenses under control but I don't know what. Its not like any of the spending is voluntary.
I know I say it every month but the eating out has got to stop. It is just so hard for me. I bought bagels at the grocery store for breakfast during the week so that will stop most of that. Plus I have given myself an allowance and will be leaving my debit card at home.
My groceries went over. I just can't seem to keep it under $100 every two weeks even when I go in with a list and don't deviate from it. I need to increase it to $150 a payday.
The Amy category is also high. That is because I didn't cancel the weight watchers correctly and was still charged for it this month. I should be getting a refund for it just not sure when.
Final November Numbers
December 1st, 2012 at 07:10 pm
December 1st, 2012 at 10:22 pm 1354400543
December 1st, 2012 at 10:23 pm 1354400595
I left my wallet out of my purse this whole week - it definitely helped curb the spending impulse several times!
December 1st, 2012 at 10:51 pm 1354402283
December 2nd, 2012 at 01:01 am 1354410090
NGG, I think Laura has a good idea. Leave your money at home, leave your checkbook at home, leave your credit cards at home. Just take your license with you. It will make it much easier to not impulse spend on fast food.
December 2nd, 2012 at 01:06 am 1354410387
December 2nd, 2012 at 12:45 pm 1354452343
December 2nd, 2012 at 02:18 pm 1354457898
December 3rd, 2012 at 02:20 am 1354501246
Maggie, what is your purpose for being on this blog?
December 3rd, 2012 at 03:31 am 1354505508
I've said this before, and I'll said it again now. Supportive words and encouragement have their place, certainly at the beginning of person's journey, but after years worth of the same issues arising with no improvement, the time for supportive words are over, and reality checks are needed.
I would argue that, at this point, every person who says "tomorrow is another day" and "don't beat yourself up over not doing what you said you were going to do" is a lot more harmful to NGG than anything I have ever said. You are enabling her to make her think it's okay to not be a responsible adult. Every time you let her believe it's "not that bad" to keep spending money frivolously and unconsciously (fast food, premium cable package, too-high phone bills) is another day that her other debts keep growing (student loan and credit cards) which is a noose around her neck, and holds her back. It is very irresponsible for her readers not to point out to her that her ongoing behaviour is only hurting herself (and her children).
The last time I brought up this point NGG said "it's okay I needed to hear that". With all due respect, NGG, you've heard it several times, and not just from me. What you need to do is stop feeling sorry for yourself, and follow through with what you say you want to and are going to do. That is for your own benefit, and your childrens. Not mine, and not the other readers.
Nothing gives a person more self esteem and confidence than knowing they are taking care of themselves, accomplishing goals, and being a responsible adult. Being accountable. I am not the enemy, and I would argue that I am looking out for your wellbeing more than any other reader who writes in and tells you "don't worry about, tomorrow's a do-over".
The time for action and no more excuses is NOW. Not for my benefit, but for your own.
December 3rd, 2012 at 10:50 pm 1354575007