E and I have decided that I will return to seminary full-time in January.  I don't think we can pay off our credit card by September.  It would make things too tight.  This means we are officially on a budget.  We have set up a a cash-flow speadsheet and I have also linked our bank account to Quicken.  Of course, we look fine on paper.  After taking into account $1,000 in gas, groceries, and household items monthly, we show a surplus of $2,100.  This includes our monthly bills of $3,300.  E and I waste alot of money.  Apparently $2,100 a month.  It has to stop.  And seeing it in black and white was a great way to see how un-stewardlike we are.  Our income after taxes, health, dental, retirement, and tithes is $6,476 and our bills and monthly expenses are $4,300.  Where does it all go?  A big chunk goes to lunches for both E and me (almost every day).  Another huge chunk goes to eating out.  We dine out three, four, five times a week.  And E is not a cheap date :) That has to change.  It's just throwing money away.  I am ready.  I really hope E is. 
 
   

 


 
 
sandyquill on
Re: Officially on a budget
Sorry. Part of me is blinking still at that kind of money.   And that gas! Wow, do you mean for cars?

When my folks got married, lo these many decades ago, they set up a budget when they realized that somehow money just melted away.  Found out that my dad had been just buying stuff.  For the car, for the shop, for her.  They made a rule (way back then) not to spend more than $25 without prior spousal notification.  It was a good rule.  Spousal Unit and I made it $50. Then he could spend money and so could I, but not in excess. It helped a lot.

I wish you all the best as you prepare to return to seminary full time!  
plastictheology on
Re: Officially on a budget
That kind of money???
sandyquill on
Re: Officially on a budget
I cannot fathom having that kind of money coming in. <smile>  What you have "in surplus" is more than the Spousal Unit takes home in two weeks, without overtime.    So, yes, for me, it's "that kind of money." 
plastictheology on
Re: Officially on a budget
Oh, well, that includes E's salary too.

sandyquill on
Re: Officially on a budget
I was incorrect.  Spousal Unit takes home your surplus in one month. <smile>  It still can boggle this mind, anyway.

It's cool that you have the ability to take in real money. My sister makes "real money," too.
plastictheology on
Re: Officially on a budget
Public accounting is NOT cool   I have on a coat and tie as we speak.  On a friday afternoon @ 4:00. I am thankful I can pull in "real" money but at the same time am longing for seminary... 
sandyquill on
Re: Officially on a budget
Eeewww. No, it's not cool.  My sister, ShoeWoman, is in pharmaceuticals.   Way more cool, though she has NDs coming out the walls...

Seminary is far superior to accounting, for sure.  Ties are generally optional.
plastictheology on
Re: Officially on a budget
He brings home 2000 a month?  That's it?  You guys must not have rent or a mortgage...
tpd2100 on
Re: Officially on a budget
YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

 

I'm having to watch my money more closely now, as you know...

plastictheology on
Re: Officially on a budget
I keep watching mine go down the drain...
whispertales on
Re: Officially on a budget
It's amazing how quickly it all goes when you're not looking.  Sometimes the more you have, the faster it goes.   
anonymouspastor on
Re: Officially on a budget
You've been tagged dude.  See my latest post.
plastictheology on
Re: Officially on a budget
Ok. Peace.

 
Login to replyToggle picture size
 

Latest Comment
Re: Her Trip Away... - Is it Alicia? I'm confused is this a trip? or is it permanent? If shes playing with...

Read...


 
© 2005-2007 MindSay Interactive LLC
| Terms of Service
| Privacy Policy
My Account
Inbox
Account Settings
Lost Password?
Logout
Blog
Update Blog
Edit Old Entries
Pick a Theme
Customize Design
Modify Plugins
Community
Your Profile
Wiki Pages
MindSay Tags
Video & Photos
Geographic Directory
Inside MindSay
About MindSay
MindSay and RSS
Report Spam
Contact Us
Help