Ok so for my third and final of the experimental months, I was the least successful. Why oh why is that????
Well primarily it is due to lack of organization, using the debit card for groceries and eating out and a bleh attitude that often hits in March.
Valid excuses? Heck no!!! The money wasted was primarily groceries and dining out, followed by spending. The %s below tell the sad sad tale.
Groceries - 8.6% was saved and that is only because I gave myself a mental shake in the last week. It hits home as this is the money that provides me with the bulk of my snowflakes. Bad jolie
Spending - equally sad at 7% saved. Granted I needed moisturizer and foundation and even the drugstore brands cost the earth. Those two little darlings cost me about $42 for Olay daily wear moisturizer and covergirl foundation. In my next life I'm going back in time to be the founder of one of those companies :P
Dining Out - I saved 11%. I gave in far too often to the 'eh just get take out' and boy that comes around to bite ya in the butt later on.
Household - was more successful, perhaps because I kept saying "NO! don't fritter this away!!!!". I saved 42% of my money set aside from household.
Gas - is the most successful and I think it's the jar I enjoy the most. I saved 60% of my budget and thank god for that!!! My extended package policy is due this month!! $300. I never really had a good read on how much I spent driving here and there and I NEVER had money set aside for routine oil changes, insurance or mechanical repairs. The last two come in large chunks and I always seem surprised to see bills. Who knew insurance was a YEARLY thing???? gasp!! lol
All in all, I was able to 'save' $361 in the various categories. Not bad at all but I kick myself that it could have been better. AND....*insert dramatic music here* the new budget cut $200 out of these jars to put towards accelerated debt payment.
This.........will be interesting!!
Tuesday, Nice weekend!
1 day ago
3 comments:
I think you did a marvelous job! You saved over $300~! That's great. There's months when you'll save more and others less. This was just one of those times. Give yourself a pat on the back! Good job! :)
that is fantastic!!!! your savings are more then I put in my jars! haha ~ I usually spend the exact amounts that I put in (ie groceries - $40 --- can't really save much more there, you know)
I am glad to see that you are continuing with it --- I think you are doing an amazing job & I hope you are finding what is working for you :) I still can't seem to find that balance of what works! I think I still have too much debt to have any 'extra' in the budget... lets hope I can get some of this crap paid off soon!
Aww thanks Ladies.
Asian Pear: yes there will definitely be up and down months so I have to accept that some months I will be stronger than others, and some months, more happens than others.
jpkittie: There's not a hope my family and I could get by on $40 a week here. I am envious of you completely. I suspect there is money 'left over' because I have too much budgeted for groceries. I've cut $ out this month so that will be a good test to see.
Grocery expenses a year ago this time as I scan through old bank statements were over $1000 a month, not counting takeout/dining out. eeepppp
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