January 6th, 2008
This year has definitely started off better than last year. I finally have some goals set. I have given myself some parameters within which to operate. Watching Jane4girls and her $800 a year grocery budget really made me start to think about setting goals and how to reach them. So, for this year, I have made some goals. I will not call them resolutions, those are just made to be broken, kind of like diets.
First and foremost, each month I will have a written budget for that month before the month begins! Ala Dave Ramsey, spending every dime on paper. Sticking to that budget 100% and if something has to change, knowing that I will have to move it from somewhere else (another category). Any money left over at the end of the month will be moved to savings.
I have started a savings category for bills that will come occasionally, like car insurance and property taxes and will take them out monthly so there is not a problem (read:panic) when they are due.
Things like car maintenance and clothes and furniture replacement....these all need to be funded, but just a little at a time. And, I will keep an emergency fund that is truly designated just for that. A true emergency.
Now on to the food budget. Right now, I'll admit, I am a little chicken. I have it set higher than I think I need it. I set it at $300 a month for our family of four. (2 teenage sons, dh and myself) We do have a fair amount of things stockpiled, but I have not been keeping track of anything for the last 2 1/2 months and I want to make sure we are in good shape before I lower it. Does that mean I will spend that much? I sure hope not! :shrug7: I am aiming a lot lower. I just have to get dh back in the habit of not running to Walmart and overpaying for cokes.
This year has definitely started off better than last year. I finally have some goals set. I have given myself some parameters within which to operate. Watching Jane4girls and her $800 a year grocery budget really made me start to think about setting goals and how to reach them. So, for this year, I have made some goals. I will not call them resolutions, those are just made to be broken, kind of like diets.
First and foremost, each month I will have a written budget for that month before the month begins! Ala Dave Ramsey, spending every dime on paper. Sticking to that budget 100% and if something has to change, knowing that I will have to move it from somewhere else (another category). Any money left over at the end of the month will be moved to savings.
I have started a savings category for bills that will come occasionally, like car insurance and property taxes and will take them out monthly so there is not a problem (read:panic) when they are due.
Things like car maintenance and clothes and furniture replacement....these all need to be funded, but just a little at a time. And, I will keep an emergency fund that is truly designated just for that. A true emergency.
Now on to the food budget. Right now, I'll admit, I am a little chicken. I have it set higher than I think I need it. I set it at $300 a month for our family of four. (2 teenage sons, dh and myself) We do have a fair amount of things stockpiled, but I have not been keeping track of anything for the last 2 1/2 months and I want to make sure we are in good shape before I lower it. Does that mean I will spend that much? I sure hope not! :shrug7: I am aiming a lot lower. I just have to get dh back in the habit of not running to Walmart and overpaying for cokes.
One is the Lonliest Number
Posted 01-12-2009 at 11:46:08 PM by kmmmom
We have a busy house. My kids are always running in and out. The school teams have given way to jobs and dating and college courses. I only have one left in high school and it's his last year. He is also taking a college course this semester. Tonight was the first night of classes. Since my son doesn't drive yet, my husband had to take him to his 3 hour class. My daughter's classes started tonight. My other son had left for work. So here I was. Sitting here all by myself.
I don't know why it bothered me tonight. During the day when everyone is out, I don't even notice the absence of there presence. But, for some reason, this evening, I was just plain lonely. My sister-in-law called and we chatted for awhile, which was really nice. I worked out on my Wii Fit for awhile. I made myself a sandwich for dinner. And as I sat at the computer eating and reading, I realized that it won't be long before this is how it is every night. I must say, that empty nest is not sounded so good right now.
How many times when they were little did I wish for just 5 minutes to myself? A moment to refocus and relax without any responsiblities or any attention seeking tugging on my shirt sleeve. Then as they got older, I just needed a minute to breathe between carting them from school to the game to the dance and don't even think about the homework I needed to supervise. Now, I have my 5 minutes. I have even longer. It's not nearly as fun being alone as I thought it would be. I miss my kids. I miss my husband. I am lonely.
****************
spending: $0
I don't know why it bothered me tonight. During the day when everyone is out, I don't even notice the absence of there presence. But, for some reason, this evening, I was just plain lonely. My sister-in-law called and we chatted for awhile, which was really nice. I worked out on my Wii Fit for awhile. I made myself a sandwich for dinner. And as I sat at the computer eating and reading, I realized that it won't be long before this is how it is every night. I must say, that empty nest is not sounded so good right now.
How many times when they were little did I wish for just 5 minutes to myself? A moment to refocus and relax without any responsiblities or any attention seeking tugging on my shirt sleeve. Then as they got older, I just needed a minute to breathe between carting them from school to the game to the dance and don't even think about the homework I needed to supervise. Now, I have my 5 minutes. I have even longer. It's not nearly as fun being alone as I thought it would be. I miss my kids. I miss my husband. I am lonely.
****************
spending: $0
Total Comments 1
Comments
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I also have one in college and one in hs so my time is coming too. I am actually looking forward to it. I love seeing them grow up. Make decisions and learn from their mistakes.
Now is the time for you! I have recently done line dancing classes with our school district continuing ed classes. Loved it and now I go once a week out dancing. I know line dancing is not for everyone but find something you've been wanting to do and do it. Sewing, dancing, learning a new language. It is your time. You are still a parent but now you can be more!
Have fun!Posted 01-13-2009 at 05:18:33 AM by DebK1013
