Week 5 on the Jars

ok this past week was pretty much hell in a handbasket money wise. I dutifully entered my 'new week money' in the budget binder at the start of Week 5. I withdrew the money. and that was the end of my organizational focus. I spent on fast food like crazy. I took money out that was geared to my lump sum payment and that got dipped into. Last night there was bits of cash everywhere and I had no clue how much I spent and how much I tapped into the lump sum money.

So I pulled out the jar money left, which was all mixed up and combined it with the money I took out for the lump sum and started pulling my finances together. This was only for one week. I can't imagine how hard it would be if chaos was left unattended for months or years. *shiversssss*

After counting it all out, I removed the money that was geared for the lump sum. Happily, there was still $115 there for that. I then counted out the bits that were left and I have about 20% of Week 5 money left. which is pretty darn good considering.

I went over my math about 5 times to be sure I did not miss anything. I took the balance of my chequing account and went through each of my untouched budget lines (boys allowance, phone bill, bank fees and the rest of the three weeks' jar money for this month. I haven't found errors.

So then where to put the money that was left since I didn't really keep track?? Well I know I didn't spend my transportation money so that amount goes back in the jars and the binder. The rest.... well I would say that the eating out used up my entertainment money, my spending money and a good part of my grocery.

I did NOT like this out of control feeling this week. I felt like I was using money targetted for other things. I've been out of control before with money,diet etc and I know that once I start, it is sooo easy to just keep riding down that path. I really do not want to go down that path.

So for today I need to get organized again and make sure I WRITE things down.

UPDATE: ok I did miss something. My gym membership. just under $50. I had it marked down on my budget sheet as already paid. When I logged on to my banking this morning and the number was different, I saw that it had just come off this morning. See my gut was right!! I did miss something.  I redid my numbers and I am right where I should be. whew. Glad I found it.