stick to a budget

Things are on a tight leash for now, and that’s fine by me. I followed the Simple Dollar’s advice on wrapping my debit card in a piece of paper printed with an image that matches one of my long-term goals. And it does work – I see it every time I open my wallet and remind myself why I need to stick to a budget and not spend meaninglessly!

I think Mumbai is an awesome place but everything you could possibly think of doing needs money apparently, or rather more likely that I haven’t yet met people who like to save and do fun things not revolving around money. Planning on creating a little guidebook of fun stuff to do on the cheap, as it were. And with the monsoons, it looks like “playing in the rain” will definitely be on the list :)

..I’m broke again! I’m out of money barely a week later! Is there an Olympic event for spending money? I’d win gold, hands down :D

I’m working on Day 8 of the Simple Dollar’s “31 Days to fix your finances” and it’s not going easy. Prolly coz I get paid on a project basis, rather than a monthly salary (that’s my own fault tho’). Going to discuss matters with the boss and see if I can pick up a research project or something to do for the summer… Meanwhile, must live within my means, dang it!

to learn how to manage my money.

I found The Simple Dollar through Leo Babauta’s Zen Habits

Right now, I’m just working my way through the 31 days to fix your finances suggestions.

is probably going to get out of hand :D

I have yet to receive my first paycheck since I’m still on my first project. I need to end that quickly so I can get paid! Already I have nearly ended about 3 weeks’ stay with close to 3000 bucks… and I go home for my birthday in a week. So maybe family will give me some rent money or such…

I should probably get a cheap notebook to keep tally of budget and spending. So far, I have been good – still have money left over before the first paycheck comes in this week! I’ve surprised myself, really.
Jus need to keep being good about not spending on non-essentials. And to take on more projects as well as finish current ones in shorter time. Shouldn’t be too hard, methinks.

And I have yet to open that bank account! Eeps – definitely needs to be done this week. Jus need to find a bank that actually accepts my institution to open a student account. Easier said than done, by the looks of things so far..

Well, considering how my salary right now totally depends on how my projects work out, i need to make sure i always stick to budget.
Right now – got enough to last me the month (thank god for living with family!!) or until 3 weeks later when I’ll be done with my first project. Got ot work on it really hard to make sure everything’s in place.
Also need to open a bank account – but that will have to wait till next week, I guess.
so far, i have been good with buying only 2 items of clothing the other day and that too on sale! so woot :D