There is no method to my madness ... sadly enough, DH looked at the memory on the computer and came across an obscene amount of files pertaining to my failed attempts at making money tracking files (whether it be excel, quicken, microsoft money) I have tried mvelopes and presently have YNAB. I think my lack of success isn't the tool, rather the mindset, lack of discipline, all or nothing attitude - obviously my obstacles are of the mental sort.
I have allowed myself one final "start over" month - I overplan for too far in advance and too am stringent with my spending of money until everyone needs everything at the same time - then I shudder at having to spend a lot of money. Anyhow, there is a whole laundry list of my cognitive defects in this area, I could go on and on, but why?
So, I have started one last file in Microsoft money and have only done this present month. I have accounted for the stimulus rebate check, the third paycheck of the month, as well as my state income tax refund - and I will accomplish a new roof and the first installment of the real estate property taxes ($4,850 in and $4,750 out).
My goals for the month of May:
(1) Worry only about the weekly expenses of groceries and gas (I know how much the utilities are and when they are due)
(2) I will only shop for one weeks worth of meals at a time and allow $25 additional for "stock piling" option (this has gotten me into trouble in the past) I will do away with prepackaged snacks and go back to baking twice a week (bar cookies and muffins)
(3) I will set the kids up with a working allowance - the third grader just finished a budgeting in social studies - this will allow them the funds necessary to buy their hot lunches on Fridays and buy the necessary items for things like Girl Scout projects, etc.
(4) I will start a list of things that everyone needs - none of my kids are running around barefoot - but the 3rd grader gets the 4th graders hand-me-downs and has three pairs of like new gym shoes while the 4th grader shuffles one pair from home to gym (they're in the parochial school and in uniforms) dance
I didn't know that the school that my kids go to wants a commitment for extracurricular sports by May 15th. My DD10 wanted to play both volleyball and basketball (she is a competitive dancer who has classes twice a week) I was so glad that i read through everything and realized that volleyball is a shorter season requiring less practices and games. I was able to have an honest discussion with her that to do it all is to do too much (there are four others in additiion to her) Not to mention the money aspect. I was glad she agreed and appreciated her good attitude about making choices. And I will easily have the funds to pay for this as well as the kindergartener's soccer for the fall.
The weather here in the midwest is rainy and it sucks and I think that accounts for my dismalm, but honest self appraisal. Thanks for reading ...
Chronic "starter over" - any encouragement appreciated -
May 2nd, 2008 at 03:57 pm
May 2nd, 2008 at 04:06 pm 1209744413
I've been on my current system for over a year now. What finally worked for me was having the whole household on board, totally committed to not using credit cards without telling me, not making purchases outside the set categories, letting me talk about the financial situation daily, and really making it one of the most interesting aspects of my life (with challenges, games, goals and results, etc.)
Having my husband in charge of menus, grocery shopping and over half the cooking has helped inordinately, since poor food planning was always one of the main budget-busters for me. Figure out what makes you lose momentum and get someone to pitch in on that aspect, even if it's just checking in every Sunday or something to keep you on track.
May 2nd, 2008 at 04:07 pm 1209744476
Just finding something that works for you is the biggest thing!
Keep trying until you find that thing that works for you!!
May 2nd, 2008 at 05:27 pm 1209749238
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May 2nd, 2008 at 10:43 pm 1209768236
Not a good practice, since I did tend to go over the budget due to not keeping track of my spending. I was "starting over" again....
May 3rd, 2008 at 04:42 am 1209789725
GaelicWench - love your head banging smiley.
May 3rd, 2008 at 12:46 pm 1209818812
Thanks for the encouragement! I feel better already. I love the Anne Shirley quote, Petunia! And the head banging welch has been quite applicable to be analysis and ponderings lately. It will me some while before that huge red bruise from the head banging diminishes. I did have two NSDs May 1st and 2nd. Today will be minimally spending, so I'm feeling somewhat better about the recreational spending (which might I add was never that much). Have a good day.