Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Our Financial Freedom Journey: A Look at September

Last month, Joel and I began our journey toward financial freedom.  You can read more about our plan to become debt-free here.

Our biggest adjustment was going to to a cash system. I take $250 out every two weeks - $200 of that goes toward groceries and $50 is what we call walking around money.  I manged pretty well with just $100 per week in grocery money.  I forced myself to go through my freezer and pantry and start to use up things that, for some reason, I've been storing away.  I've realized that I'm a bit of a food hoarder - I like to stock up on things when they're on sale and then I forget they're there.  So we have a full pantry and freezer that has fed us well.

Right now, I'm still trying to figure out how to budget for household goods - toilet paper, toothpaste and laundry detergent or absolute necessities but they add up fast and are eating into our grocery budget.  Two days before the end of the month, we had 1 roll of toilet paper in our bathroom and I literally had $1 in my wallet.  I ran out and stocked up -  putting it on my Debit.  But I need to figure out a way to avoid that this month.

I'm also having to adjust my shopping habit.  Joel and I both get $100 each month to do with as we like.  At the end of September, I still had quite a bit left... mostly because I was afraid to spend it just in case I came across a pair of boots that I couldn't live without.  But I have to admit that it has been hard on me to have to be limited while I'm shopping.  I like clothes, makeup, shoes, accessories and purses. Actually, I love them.  And when I see something I like, I just get it.  And that's probably why we're financially behind and having to make this big life change.  I'm a shopper and I don't like to be limited.

So instead of shopping, I've been going on walks, taking the girls to the library and reading. Those things have been fun but I do feel like I have shopping withdrawals right now.

September was also a great month for Joel and I as a couple.  It's a good feeling to know we are on the same page with our finances and our future.  We still have some things to work out.  Those things will come in time though.  And I'm sure it'll get easier as we learn more through this process.

So, one month down and a little bit less in debt.

2 comments:

Johnisnotcool said...

I feel you! I love shopping online myself and its so easy to spent way to much if your not keeping track. I get on amazon and end up buying 3 books and only read one before I'm on there again. Its just so much fun getting things in the mail.

Karen (nybird) (KMello) said...

This was good to read....I need to reign in some online spending and local spending on my current addiction...fabric of all things!