Its Feburary how did January go?

[supergoofy]

I decided this year to get the budget under control this year.

My goal was to keep my receipts and track spending and recorded it on a spread sheet. I have to say that keeping the receipts lasted a week before it became a headache. But all charges went to my Disney Visa or my bank card so I just went online to see my spending.


So I just spent the last half hour looking at these statements and logging it all into my spreadsheet. I needed to add a few categories that were not there at years beginning but other than that the spread sheet works wonders.


This month I watched what I spent and I did have a few expenses that were not needed such as a couple runs to local coffee shop or a slicer from Cabela's that was on sale but wife and I wanted one and figure in some time it will pay for itself as we can buy in bulk and slice at home. And I needed some new shoes as my boots track to much mud in the house.

Other than that the spending was under control.

What I really enjoyed but somewhat cringe at is how much is costs us to live. On one hand its great to know what it costs but on the other it kinda stinks that it costs so much.

Hoping to bring costs down next month.

 

[MOpGrad2013]

I decided this year to get the budget under control this year.

My goal was to keep my receipts and track spending and recorded it on a spread sheet. I have to say that keeping the receipts lasted a week before it became a headache. But all charges went to my Disney Visa or my bank card so I just went online to see my spending.

So I just spent the last half hour looking at these statements and logging it all into my spreadsheet. I needed to add a few categories that were not there at years beginning but other than that the spread sheet works wonders.

This month I watched what I spent and I did have a few expenses that were not needed such as a couple runs to local coffee shop or a slicer from Cabela's that was on sale but wife and I wanted one and figure in some time it will pay for itself as we can buy in bulk and slice at home. And I needed some new shoes as my boots track to much mud in the house.

Other than that the spending was under control.

What I really enjoyed but somewhat cringe at is how much is costs us to live. On one hand its great to know what it costs but on the other it kinda stinks that it costs so much.

Hoping to bring costs down next month.

It will get better. Made our spreadsheet around mid-month so it will take February to get the groundwork. Do agree, cost of life is a surprise.

For us, we are pulling in NEED versus WANT.

 

[Omalley]

I have been tracking our spending for almost 20 years, and knowing where your money is spent is key to controlling future expenses. As another poster said, focus on needs and not wants. Now that we can afford to buy about anything we wanted we realize we are happy with our simple lives.

Omalley

 

[supergoofy]

The want versus need argument is a tough one.

Some things are wants and you can see that on the face of it but others are really hard to see.

Like me being a runner and dropping $100 on a pair of shoes that I will wear for 3 months before I need new ones. Yeah I could go cheaper but that could mean more tear on the body which turns into therapy. Or I could not run but then I could be unhealthy.


In short its sometimes tough to determine need/want

 

[QVCshopper]

Good for you! I've been tracking for years, and recently have been taking my eldest daughter (9) shopping so she sees what's involved with money, etc. Last week, I spent $27 on three bags of groceries. She said, "mommy, you spent so much on food," and I said, "we have to eat, plus $10/bag isn't that much." It's really all relative to how you look at it. Pop over to the no-buy thread if you want more support.

 

[jmac323]

I'm feeling hopeful for gaining control of our spending and finannces in 2014. In January we started using YNAB. I'm still learning it so there is a bit of a curve, but already just seeing where our money goes it eye opening. My husband is taking an interest in our finances with me and that has been a huge plus for our family. For February, my plan is to continue ot work toward our buffer (thanks to my bonuses in January we are already almost fully buffered) and to eat out MUCH LESS! I did NOT go to Starbucks this morning and that is a huge thing for me. I'm looking at it as a challenge and it's exciting!

 

[wiigirl]

Good for you! I've been tracking for years, and recently have been taking my eldest daughter (9) shopping so she sees what's involved with money, etc. Last week, I spent $27 on three bags of groceries. She said, "mommy, you spent so much on food," and I said, "we have to eat, plus $10/bag isn't that much." It's really all relative to how you look at it. Pop over to the no-buy thread if you want more support.