Monday, September 27, 2010

Whew!!! OR...Making it to the End of the Month before the End of the Money

Photo: Everystockphoto.com

A balanced budget is like a well-balanced meal - it's good for you and you feel sooooo much better because you didn't over do it. 

This month, while only the first month of my new FOUR YEAR PLAN budget, found us getting to the end of the month before the end of our money.  This is an axiom I have taken to heart after faithfully watching every episode of "Til Debt do us Part" (some of them twice) starring famous Canadian money maven Gail Vaz-Oxlade. 

But it's not the end of the month you say.  True; however, even an unforeseen emergency won't sidetrack my budget - after all - that's what my emergency account is for, isn't it?

The best part is that we have a small surplus. You know, Gail is right - when you track your money every single day it makes you so much more aware of where it's going and then you're better able to control it.

And I do feel better just like I would if I ever ate a well-balanced meal (I'll just have to take that as a given:).  In fact, I feel ECSTATIC knowing I can sock away at least an extra $80.00 into the Crofter's Lane savings jar.



Payday is two days away, the food in the fridge will take us beyond that thanks to my soup-making, stew-creating partner, my daughter put gas in the car (bless her!) and I still have $20.00 in my wallet and an extra $10 in my chequing account. Woo hoo! 

Dairy Queen beckons, but no, that would knock my well-balanced supper all askew, boo hoo....

8 comments:

  1. This post really made me SMILE!!
    I'm also a huge fan of Gail and have her blog site on my sidebar.
    You are on the right track if your following Gail's advice.
    Hopefully Crofter's Lane jar will continue to grow daily and monthly.
    Buying no new clothes will also help.
    Good for you on your challenge.

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  2. I do enjoy a good challenge - this one will be especially difficult because buying clothes each new season has become such a habit. Its not like I need new things as there are many summery outfits that I never even wore this summer. We'll see how it goes...
    Thanks for your support!!

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  3. Jane, I followed you from my blog @ Canoe Corner and was delighted to see you've purchased a home in PEI. Congratulations! We couldn't wait until retirement to start our dream. The move to PEI has made us rethink our lives a bit and money is definitely a challenge fixing up an old farmhouse but we have loved every minute. I wish you every bit of happiness in your new home.

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  4. Oh my gosh - I was just at your blog this morning reading about bugs!! Too funny! Coincidence? I think not!
    We have had a few bugs we were wondering about in our basement - I'll see if I have a picture and perhaps you can identify them for me!
    Jane

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  5. I'm no bug expert but I can give it a shot. Show me your bugs!

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  6. Well...apparently there are a few tricks, it's just too difficult to stick to them...too many no-no-s :)

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  7. Hi Imola: I'm only one month into the budget - now we'll see if I can make it through another month and meet my goals. I guess I'll see what stuff I'm really made of!

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  8. Join in Jane, the more the merrier!

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