Setback and more *ugh*
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| Thu, 10-02-2008 - 2:00pm |
I"m really frustrated right now. It seems like I make progress then I backslide a little. So, here's the good, bad, and ugly with me right now.
Good
I've been regularly updating my checkbook, aka, writing down my purchases, etc.
I've been taking a certain amt. of cash out each paycheck to cover groceries and funny money.
I haven't charged anything that wasn't from my checking account or that I didn't pay off once the bill came.
I've been cooking more at home in order to save both me and my DF some money.
I have about $1500 in my ING savings account that accrues mroe interest than my bank's savings.
Bad
I have also on occasion been still using my checkcard for groceries and funny money in addition to the cash during times when I forgot my cash.
I have been getting a few things I probably didn't have to at the grocery store, but I'm still making progress on that. My trips to the store have actually decreased.
I have gone out to lunch too much in the last couple of weeks.
I have been making a few unnecessary purchases from the bookstore again.
Ugly
I spent $250 at REI (from checking) on things I didn't really have to have except for one item. Everything I bought was on clearance, but still.
The worst part is that it's taken me 3 weeks to confess.
So, there it is. I"m really cutting things close this paycheck, but I'm still ok. It really is time to clean out the pantry and NOT spend money on things I just don't need to get right now. I am also blissfully aware of the fact that I must keep my wedding in mind instead of buying things I can wait for later or not get at all.
I need absolution, pls.

I'll provide absolution if you'll make an act of contrition. ;)
Seriously, I continued to have problems with sales on things I didn't need for a long time after getting other stuff under control. Even this week, I got another J. Crew email and looked at the stuff on sale before remembering, "Oh yeah, I don't need anything, get off the site and delete the email."
Before you hit the Purchase button, ask yourself, "If I couldn't have this for another month, could I live without it?" I'll bet that 98% of the time, the answer is yes. So if you can go another month, do it. Then you'll realize you didn't need it at all, and you just saved yourself that money.
One thing I've started doing as I put away my clothes seasonally is to make a list of the things I'll need to buy for that season *next year* - AND what I don't need to buy, so I don't get sucked into buying yet another cute sleeveless dress or black-and-white skirt next spring.
Oh, and the other thing I do is take myself off email lists. No matter how good the bargains at Bath & Body Works, I don't need any more products for another year, and I already know they'll have a big sale in January. I don't need anything else from Talbots or Ann Taylor or Yankee Candle, and I can certainly remember to order from 1800FLOWERS when there's an event. Just take yourself off any email lists that are likely to tempt you with sales you don't need.
And GOOD JOB on the things you're doing well!
Kelly
Thx! I will definitely be making an act of contrition. I don't usually get tempted by emails except for my borders bookstore emails. Mt act of contrition will be to not buy anymore books to the end of the year unless they are Christmas gifts to other ppl, and I will use coupons only.
I also plan to increase my deductible on my car ins. So that I don't have to pay so much for ins.
Its time to make a plan for the rest of the year. And probably making a menu plan for everyday 2 weeks out won't hurt, either.
Prada
Prada
You can't beat yourself up on every little thing or go overboard either. The good habit you are doing and making part of your life are ones that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Saving for one and keeping track for another.
I am big believer in Quicken and I will tell you why I suck when it comes
I appreciate the tips. However, I already have a pretty good idea of what I want for my wedding, and it's nothing over the top at all. I am quite creative and simplistic in my planning as a rule of thumb. However, weddings still cost money. There is just no way around it, and vendors require to be paid in cash, for the most part. ANd we are not dirt poor, either. It's just that weddings are expensive, unless you elope, which we can't do since we're Catholic.
The thing that frustrates me is when ppl tell me all these things I should do about the wedding. Well, it's none of their business. We will do what we can do, and if you don't like it, you don't have to come. If I ask you for advice, then I will listen. Otherwise, I don't want to hear it. I have enough to worry about w/o feeling pressure from others to do what they want me to do or b/c they think it's the best solution.
And I'm not beating myself up, either. I made a conscious decision to buy those items. I have plenty of wedding resources. I am using theknot.com where you can track your spending, lists, etc. I also have a wedding planning kit. I just haven't been able to use it yet, but we are getting to that point.
Glad to know I'm not the only one who isn't a math genius. But, if I were, would I have debt issues? Are there any math wizards on this board that are mathematically-inclined? Just curious.
It is much more expensive to have a normal, traditional wedding these days, just because everything is more expensive. You have my sympathy.
My entire wedding cost about $5000 18 years ago, and I didn't do a single homemade thing. I'm not crafty or handy, and I wanted what I wanted, which wasn't extravagant but was very nice (not to mention that my DH would have flipped out if I'd started crafting wedding favors, LOL!). DH and I wanted to spend on the things that would make a great *party*, like great food and music, and skip the things that other people likely wouldn't remember or care about. I bought a new wedding dress, veil, gloves, shoes, underwear, purse, jewelry; hired a DJ (not a band), professional photographer (but no videographer), and limo (just one); carried a small bouquet of white roses and had a bouquet for my maid of honor, corsages & boutonniers for family members, bud vases for all the tables (but no favors), and flowers for the church; had a buffet dinner for 70 people with shrimp, beef, and a 5-hour open bar; a 3-tier wedding cake and a Viennese table. If I calculate the cost of having those same things today, 18 years later, it's close to $20,000. And my wedding was very modest compared to many weddings I went to that year, and to most of the ones I've been to since.
I realized this only recently, as I was reading this board, in fact. Made me realize that it would be nice for me to contribute a sizable amount to my children's weddings if I can, so they avoid the temptation to go into debt for that day.
On the math whiz question, I'll bet we have some people here besides me who are pretty good with math. Debt often doesn't have anything to do with being good with numbers; it has much more to do with personality and circumstances, I think.
Kelly
Laughing at my desk. I do accounting for a large company! LOL. I am good at math IN MY JOB but not the best at handling my finances. There are major differences.
We all "slip" once in a while and buy this and that's we don't need. We just try to do better next time. It's not as if you went out and charged a new pony. (you didn't, did you?) Cut yourself some slack. :)
LOL - no, not a new pony. I wouldn't have anywhere to put it. =)
I just tho't if I were better at math then I'd be better at being a budgeter. My dad is a math pro and he is a tightwad.
prada
Funny enough I work as a Credit and Finance Analyst that manages the accounts of my company's largest clients...and I am very number savvy...but obviously I still accept any sound advice because I am still in debt lol! But managing the accounts of my clients has in fact helped me in managing my own finances of late!
I agree though, plan the wedding the way you want it to go, not how others think you go about it. As long as you try to find your favorite options at the most reasonble prices which I am sure you are doing you'll be fine.
Kassandra
"It is said that life has its peaks and valleys.
Kassandra
"It is said that life has its peaks and valleys. The challenge is to accept them equally and experience them