Feb 2011 Spending Plan

I've always had difficulties making budgets. I can easily write down what we spend - but it's hard for us to stick with the plan.

January's trial budget was a dump. Maybe it was too strict. . But I think we can make this work this time around. I need to enter expenses daily to see how much we really have available to spend. I was too lazy to withdraw money from the ATM this month . . and also used the excuse " I don't have pretty envelopes to put my cash in."

If I have ATM Cards easily available, I spend more than I want to. I HATE it! I've had enough chasing money around. . hate not having money when I need it. . hate looking at no commas in our accounts!

Here is our February 2011 budget. I'm hoping for an income of $7200 which is less than our average $7500-$7700. I've only budgeted $7200 - and if the extra money does come along, it'll go directly to our $2000 emergency fund goal.

In addition to using CASH ONLY for our variable expenses, I'll be writing everything we spend. I was bad about this last month, and I'm hoping it will get better this month. If there's no more money to spend in the envelopes - that's it.

We usually get paid on Friday's, so on Wednesday is BillPayDay - I'm able to pend payments for Friday/Saturday. Then after everything posts, any extra will be transferred to my SmartyPig Account.

Let's hope for a good month.