Using cash is hard man! I have this new thing where I give myself spending money for my household items and gas each time I get paid. My household items include food & toiletries (i.e. dish washing liquid, paper towel, toilet tissue). According to my 2012 budget, I spent approximately $437 a month on household items and $214 a month on gas (total $650). Eating out is not included and will not be a part of my budget this year since those numbers are astronomical. If I do decide to eat out this year, I will include it in my household budget forcing me to dine in.
This year I plan to spend $540 (together) in those categories by withdrawing cash every pay period to stay within that number. I can tell you that so far, it hasn’t been easy. What’s good is I’ve definitely been finding ways to make better decisions at the grocery store and trying to find deals. Every bit counts.
Since I get paid 3 times in January, I have $180 per check to spend on those items. So far I’ve spent $64.99. I don’t think that’s good, but I don’t have much shopping to do this week either. The grocery challenge is helping me stay on track, too.
What about you? Are you on track with your goals this month?
Photo by Income Therapy
