Ugh and I can feel the downward spiral kicking in. I am trying so hard to be aware of my mistakes but sometimes the urge to buy something is so great that I can't stop myself. Probably a true sign of someone with a problem.
The weekend was busy and I spent a lot of money. Not a ton but I know I went over budget in many of my categories. I haven't even looked yet or balanced my checkbook because I know how disappointed I am going to be.
Went to Walmart for a picture frame for a gift and $97 later I was done. Bought somemore work out clothes which I don't really need but figure if I look cute it will help me stay motivated to go to the gym. Took the kids to get their pictures taken and took my inlaws out to dinner. They left for 4 months in Florida on Monday so we took them out to say goodbye.
I also went out to dinner and dancing with a friend of mine. We only get to go out once every 2 months or so but the fact that I haven't been spending any money on going out lately it felt as though I was being very extravagant. $25 for dinner and then $2 covercharge at club, $4 for a beer. Add that to the $97 plus a trip Sunday morning to Dunkin Donuts and I am close to $135. Yikes!
I did have a great time out dancing though! I am counting that as my exercise for that day as we were out there moving for a few hours. I love 80's music!!!!
Anyways, I am not sure of the damage I did over the weekend but will figure that out later tonight.
I am scared because I have to go to the mall after work to get my nephew a birthday present and I am afraid my spending mood is going to continue. I am not sure I am strong enough to not buy anything today.
Fell off the wagon....and on to the dancefloor?
January 10th, 2008 at 09:54 am
January 10th, 2008 at 10:06 am
You got say to yourself. I screwed up. What's my next step?
1) Look at the budget - did I blow apart the entire budget for January or can I move some money around and balance for the month
2) If not - when can I pay this off and get back on budget
3) Why did I go off budget? Do I go over budget when I use credit cards? Well, just use cash for discretionary items.
4) Is my budget to strict? Can I put some fun items in there? May every 3 months if you budget well, you good go to a spa.
5) Lastly, when your about to spend money, think of where this money could go. Instaed of an outfit, it could have gone into savings or a vacation fund.
Remember, you didn't become this way over night and you aren't going to change overnight. Just keep at it.
January 10th, 2008 at 01:07 pm