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creating a budget
dh and i started this process this week using mint.com. we've never had a written budget before. ::sigh:: and of course he thinks $60 in the alcohol and bar category for december is really high because he doesn't drink at all, and it wasn't for the kids...which leaves it as a sole Melanie expense. Need I justify everything?! It's the equivalent of 4 bottles - very moderately priced, and one went with us to his sister's house for dinner. haha! And the number of trips to Cosi, Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks didn't put me in a great light either.
Apparently, I am half the problem as to why we don't have a larger savings than we currently do. That and the kids' daycare/medical/clothing expenses - only these can't be changed much because of choices i choose to make, which is fine. DH sure is a cheap buddy to keep around - hehe!
just trying to develop some savings plans for furniture and cars and vacations so we can pay cash. maybe seeing the numbers on the screen regularly will guilt me into giving up some of my shopping habits that are not really necessary (the mani/pedis are not going anywhere though! maybe i need to find a place that serves wine while they do it so it's jumbled together?)
Re: creating a budget
Good for you for getting a good look at your finances. The little things (like the stop to DD) really add up quick. When I made my estimated budget before looking at my actual budget I was shocked to see all the little purchases add up to be so much.
We've started a system for this year where we save some amount (Any amount, no matter how large or how small) every week and we aren't allowed to touch it until next January.
this is why i am now super thrilled that i purchased the $12 ten pack of large coffees from DD last month. It gets me 10 visits that won't show up on the statement this month - cue evil laugh: hahaha!
unfortunately, my shenanigans won't get me living room furniture any time soon.
DD and STARBUCKS have rewards that DO save money. FYI
As a gold member of Starbucks since 2007 (LOL) You get free milk and syrup upgrades and a free drink every 15 drinks. Syrups are 50-59 cents depending on where you go. You need to just have the money on your card, it takes 30 drinks to become a gold member for the year if you aren't already and iphone's have an app that you can use your phone to pay for your drinks (I am in heaven!!)
DDperks you get money back for automatically reloading your card 20$ at a time. So buy a giftcard and put money on it, therefore you do get money back, not a lot but hey 2$ is a free drink every 10 drinks there if you so coffees
We use mint.com but not good at watching it, something I want to change for this year.
I also have a bill paying folder to record when and where money goes out each month and to hold all papers which make filing taxes SOO much easier since everything is always in 1 place. We have a smaller coupon holder for deductions: teaching stuff, donation receipts, medical receipts.
We also use our tax returns for bigger purchases and vacations each year for basically same reason rblucy stated.
Buy yourself a DD or Starbucks gift card at the supermarket whenever you go food shopping. Done.
Oh wait, this isn't about figuring out ways to beat the system? Oooooops. Page me when you need help doing that.