Well last month was a financial disaster-okay disaster is too strong a word but I am not pleased. We are all affected by the gas costs (mine have doubled and I used mass transit to get to work) but the increase in grocery prices has caught me off guard. Also the kids were on spring break for a week last month and I guess I was in denial or something because I didn't plan for it very well. Anyway I thought that this month I would give myself a daily allowance for groceries and sundries instead of using the monthly amount. It's the same amount but I divided it by 30. I'm hoping that by knowing how much I have to spend for the day, I will be more hesitant to spend. How's it working? Well I am currently $15 in the hole, lol! But seriously I believe that this will even out over the next few days. I am using a table/calendar to keep track.
One thing that I have noticed is that I am not as careful with my money when I don't feel well or if I haven't slept very well. Ditto for my diet and exercise. I think one of the things I am going to make a serious effort to do over the next few weeks is to go to bed earlier and stay asleep. I don't know how well this will work out as I am an evening person.
Trying something new this month
May 2nd, 2008 at 10:11 pm
May 2nd, 2008 at 10:21 pm 1209763303
Yep, me too, money management is out widow (meal planning as well) when I don't have a plan. A plan at least makes my lack of motivation tolerable. I spent most of April a plan-less, poor manager of everything in general. Now that it is May, I am looking for a new start (outlook at well) Here is to a good month of May for both of us - and start planning those extra expenses for the summer when the kids are home!
May 2nd, 2008 at 11:27 pm 1209767262
I can relate about not being as careful when lack of sleep
or feeling unwell plays a role. It's that emotional thang, you know...
I have to make sure I don't overspend on the groceries; with a move in my not too distant future, I really would rather not have to drag a ton of foodstuffs, worrying about spoilage, etc. Talk about wasted money. I've decided to give away as much as possible to the local food pantry if I have more than I want to tote around. They can always use the food.
May 3rd, 2008 at 05:59 am 1209790762