One step forward, two steps back - budget pitfalls

[TupperMom7]

One step forward - we bought the book by Dave Ramsey "Total Money Makeover". We are all set to begin to pay off our debt, getting ready to go over our bills and start the snowball.

Two steps back - our daughter called from FL last week and told us she had to take her dog to the vet and it cost $250. She was counting on that money for bills and groceries - so we sent her some money. Then today, she called because her roommate was moving out and turning off the electricity and the cable. Well she can live without the cable until her new roommate moves in, but she has to have electricity! It's pretty hot down there. So now I am waiting to hear back from her to see how much she needs to keep the service going.

Why does it feel like since we decided to do something about paying off the money we owe, we've been shelling out money right and left?

 

[Chicago526]

One step forward - we bought the book by Dave Ramsey "Total Money Makeover". We are all set to begin to pay off our debt, getting ready to go over our bills and start the snowball.

Two steps back - our daughter called from FL last week and told us she had to take her dog to the vet and it cost $250. She was counting on that money for bills and groceries - so we sent her some money. Then today, she called because her roommate was moving out and turning off the electricity and the cable. Well she can live without the cable until her new roommate moves in, but she has to have electricity! It's pretty hot down there. So now I am waiting to hear back from her to see how much she needs to keep the service going.

Why does it feel like since we decided to do something about paying off the money we owe, we've been shelling out money right and left?

Well, it could just be that your noticing now that you're spending money left and right! Once you start tracking your money, you realize just how fast it disapears.

If your daughter is asking you for money, then it sounds like she has money problems of her own. You should offer to lend her TMM when you're done with it!

Meanwhile, just keep at it, you'll get a handle on things soon. Once you get that baby emergency fund set up and some of your debt paid down, you'll see more wiggle room in your budget and things like this won't faze you as much.