My biggest problem is that I justify making small purchases, but then they add up so fast, by the end of the month, I’ve lost $50 on junk! Any tips for this, ladies and gents? 2 days ago

Save $50 a week 3 days ago

With spending being almost the same as what comes in, I need to find additional ways to create revenue, then exploit them. I’ve got a large amount of money coming in soon, then the trick would be to have that amount grow. I will begin with this goal in about a month, when my next pay check comes in. When I put aside at least 10% of what comes in monthly, as the book The Richest Man in Babylon taught me, I will be okay with this goal as it progresses to completed.

The idea for this goal would be to save up till I hit a certain, yet to be determined, amount of money. I will put myself after it, and spend wisely, seek out ventures and other ways of quickly gaining funds. Then work for it.

It’s that I’m not the 9 to 5 type of person, making this goal all the more challenging. 5 days ago

• Expenses $215
• Personal $123.54 (Fuel, Phone Bill, Shoe Repair)
• Emergency Fund $129.12
• Trip Savings $31.55

My student teaching placement is going well. I fixed up my tax forms and now I’m not being taxed so much – yay! I also finished putting aside enough money to cover my expenses for the last week in May. My placement means I earn $0 for a payday as I’m unable to work. 1 week ago

I need to curb – I’ve been studying and in this pretense, I’ve been spending $$ on lunch, iced teas (that I can easy make at home and save money!!).

I need to come up with some staples for lunch, snacks (thankfully I always bring them from home) and start making my iced-teas at home to bring to the library.

I want to save money so I can spend it on experiences that will change, define and stretch my world view, not on stuff that isn’t important!! 1 week ago

• Expenses $215
• Personal $30 (fuel)
• Trip Savings $58.36
• Emergency Fund $85.88

A little bit extra than I thought this pay. I’m hoping to save up a week’s worth of extra expenses in my Emergency Fund to be used in lieu of the payday that would happen during my teaching placement. Once again I’ll be happy if I can make another $50-$100 saving next pay.

Up is good. 1 week ago

There are so many bills. And it doesn’t help when a spouse won’t sit down and help figure it out.

So, I’ve decided to go ahead with it anyway. Even if it’s just $10 here or $5 there. It has to add up to something. 2 weeks ago

Today I did some forward planning with my budget for the next month or so to see how I’ll fare with my student teaching placement (means I lose $400 in income) and my big car expenses being due in June to the tune of $900 (registration and insurance). I’m going to be just fine but I’m not going to save $5,000 by June 30.

I got discouraged and glumly extended my goal date to July 31. The important thing to remember with saving money is that every amount (no matter how small) puts you closer to your goal. Way closer than those people who don’t save at all! I was thinking about my trip and instead of discouraged, I felt proud. How many people on my little income can afford to travel for a whole month!? Not many.

Saving for this trip is my priority. What’s yours? 2 weeks ago

This month I made $1,271.71 and spent $990.71.

$96 – non-food groceries (shampoo, etc.)
$256 – groceries
$34 – food out
$34 – alcohol
$390 – rent/utilities
$36 – meds
$9 – entertainment

$34 – gifts
$20 – donations
$8 – school supplies
$5 – misc (needles & thread)

$69 – warrior dash registration

Savings is at $2000.
+ Summer fund at $2100.

Food out + alochol is a bit more than I’d like. Non-food groceries, I got to go to a different store than usual and was stocking up (because the grocery store by my house doesn’t usually have some of the stuff I like). I think I am well stocked up on that stuff for a long while though, and even on groceries for the most part (except fresh stuff) until I move.
There was yet another instance of my roommate fucking up the bills and discovering we hadn’t paid our internet bill in 3 months.
I happened to not have to refill my one prescription this month, so that was nice. I should only have to refill it in May and then hopefully never again.
Wooo Warrior Dash!

Next week I find out my grades, and whether I will still be employed or not. Fingers crossed. If they don’t kick me out, I have a couple of things I’m planning on buying for the summer… new hiking boots… tattoo… bunny… 3 weeks ago

• Expenses $215
• Personal $50
• Trip Savings $100
• Emergency Fund $50

A great start to the month :) Fingers crossed I can pick up some weekend hours to boost next pay before I start my student teaching :) 3 weeks ago