So far, I have been utterly unsuccessful and overspent by $291.00!!!
- Budget allowance for groceries/household goods/toiletries was $600. We spent $670 PLUS $180 on fast food (OH MY!)
- Budget allowance for miscellaneous expenses was $150. We spent $230 which included clothes, two fluffy bums, random Ikea stuff, $45 cash spent who knows where and a case (yes, a case) of Tassimo Chai Tea Latte T-Disks.
- Budget allowance for medical expenses was $150. We spent $170.
- Budget allowance for vehicle expenses/gas was $300. We spent $235 (not too shabby!).
Despite going under budget on vehicle expenses we still ended up going hundreds of dollars OVER BUDGET! Oh Bother! I would love to some day build our dream home and take the kids on a Disney World Alaskan Cruise, but in order for that to happen we NEED to stop over spending!
My daughter was in definite need of new clothes. She had went through a major growth spurt over the holidays and was beginning to outgrow her entire wardrobe so that portion of my spending was a worthy expenditure. However, due to that extra expense I probably should have held off on getting those fluffy bums, but sometimes the heart wants what the heart wants... As for the Chai Tea Latte's.... Well, those were a necessity!
Next month I'll be stronger and I am determined to stick to the budget. I have officially declared February to be void of fast food and I will pay much much closer attention to what our miscellaneous money is being spent on.
I WILL NOT go over budget in February even if it means Chai Tea Latte withdrawal! YIKES!
In terms of saving and making extra money, I would rate my accomplishments this month as being barely satisfactory.
January's Coupons Savings = $64.00
Online Survey Earnings = $56.50
Hoping for a better February
