Every journey starts with just a single step, and today is my step one towards a Spend Consciously Year. I intend to still make out a monthly budget and stick rigourously to it, as well as making sure that everything I put into savings will be touched only if absolutely needed, as this is money I really don,t want to spend, if I do have to use any of it I will make sure it is an absolute necessity, and I will be looking at the cheapest way of getting round it.
My plans are to shop for groceries with a list and a weekly menu.
To try to cut down on my electricity bill.
To retail shop with a need and not want mentality.
To only ever take my own healthy lunches to work.
To leave my debit card at home and only carry what little cash I need, this should prevent rash purchasing.
To blog about my triumphs and struggles.
To SUCCEED.
Today was payday and there are 5 of them this month, and I have already drawn up a plan to get me through the month.
1st October
Groceries $100 (anything I don,t spend will be rolled over till next week)
Petrol $20.00
Debt $25.00
Rent $200 (Due to an incompetent Real Estate office we discovered we were a bit behind in our rent so Hubby and I halved the amount)
Day out with friends $30.00
$150.00 into savings
8th October
Telephone/Cable/Internet package $230.00
Food $100 (anything I don,t spend will be rolled over till next week)
Mobile phone bill $30.00
Petrol $20.00
Debt $95.00
$100.00 into savings
15th October
Electricity Bill $385.00
Groceries $100.00 (anything I don,t spend will be rolled over till next week)
Petrol $20.00
22nd October
Food $100.00 (anything I don,t spend will be rolled over till next week)
Petrol $20.00
Debt $25.00
$375.00 into savings
29th October
Food $100.00 (anything I don,t spend will be rolled over till next week)
Petrol $20.00
Debt $50.00
Hopefully nothing unforseen crops up during the month, but if they do I will note them down.
$350.00 into savings
Look at you!!!! Looking good :) off to a great start!
ReplyDeleteI admire your courage and tenacity. I also enjoy your blog very much - very detailed and very HONEST! It isn't easy to bare all to the world but knowing you aren't alone in your money struggles is also very helpful in making you feel less isolated. And doing it all while keeping a sense of humour helps to keep it all in perspective.
ReplyDeleteI have gone through only one month of a much stricter budget in order to pay down my debt and increase my savings. It's hard doing both at the same time but very necessary.
Keep in touch!
Wow!!! Maureen I'm so happy that you will be doing this with me this year. As soon as I get the sleepiness out of me, or just the plain fact that I'm officially comatose....I will join in....
ReplyDeleteIt shouldn't be long now for you too!!!!
I like how you listed all of your bills and how you are going to pay them. Very detailed but easy to follow. I will be joining you in the Spending Less and Living Well Challenge this year and look forward to following your progress!
ReplyDeleteLisa @ Cents to Save