Did pretty good this week on discretionary expenses. I made lunch and dinner pretty much every day instead of eating out like we normally would do. The only problem with cooking at home is that there are so many dishes to wash all the time.
We splurged at Albertson's last night. We bought King Crab Legs and Steak for about $33 for the whole family. DS didn't have a good day at school. He had given his ex-girlfriend another suicide note and she gave to the counselor, who in turned called me. Luckily, we were going to his therapist today and was able to get it all out in the open. So he needed a little lift. If we had that at a restaurant it would have been at least twice that amount if not more.
Albertson's - $49
Mortgage - $679
Total $728
I'm also feeling pretty good aboutnot spending money. I'm not feeling deprived because I have a goal - to be a SAHM.
Daily Expenses 12/7
December 8th, 2007 at 03:20 pm
December 8th, 2007 at 03:49 pm 1197128951
If you really keep at the budgeting and really think through each purchase, it will get easier and easier.
As far as caffeine withdrawal, I understand this as I used to be addicted to fountain diet coke (had to be fountain and I have migraine headaches), I take it you are not a coffee drinker. Why don't you just have some coke at home or .... get off it. I rarely drink it anymore, only as a treat, I had to wean off it using Excedrin. I also had to wean off the Excedrin by starting with two tablets, then cutting one tablet in two and taking 1.5, then 1, then 1/2 over several days.
Someone suggested Menvelops, may I suggest www.youneedabudget.com. We have been using it for over about a year now and it has made a huge difference.
I am enjoying your posts.
December 8th, 2007 at 04:32 pm 1197131536
THANKS for the ideas. I checked out www.youneedabudget.com and it's got some great ideas. I already use excel to track all my expenses by category, etc.
December 8th, 2007 at 04:50 pm 1197132610
GOOD LUCK
December 8th, 2007 at 08:35 pm 1197146110
You are doing great with cooking at home. I am not a big fan of cleaning up after cooking myself. Have you ever thought about trying freezer cooking? I may make one mess cooking but get three meals out of it. Many people think you can only do that with casseroles, but there are many more options. It also helps on those hectic days when you do not have time or do not feel like cooking. I have meals on hand and am not tempted by take out.
As for the soda addiction, I use to pretty much drink only soda. I have been a water person for about a year now. I do use the Lipton caffeine free flavor pouches to jazz it up. I do have the occasional soda as a treat, but they are not that good to me any more.
December 9th, 2007 at 03:45 am 1197171928
Good luck and many blessings!