I know, I know. How original. Stick to a budget in 2018.
It’s something I say every year, right? “I’m going to make and stick to my budget this year!” And every year, I completely disregard the fact that I even want to have a budget.
Luckily, I was working so didn’t have to worry about budgeting that much. But this year, I’m still off on maternity for a couple more months, and undecided about whether I’ll be going back to work. Not going back to work means that we’ll be down an income, so I will actually have to figure out a budget.
No more impulse buying!
Online shopping is the worst for me. It’s so easy, I don’t have to leave my house, and it arrives at your door! And, everything is usually cheaper online. But impulse buying, while it’s all things that I want, they are usually all things that could probably wait. Especially when there are things that I do want to spend my money on.
I’m using my Passion Planner to help keep me on track. I’m already using the finance tracker downloads that I use on a weekly basis to monitor my day to day spending. I’m planning on doing a monthly wrap up of my spending and savings. There’s not much saving going on these days… Although I am still trying to do some! It’s just not as much as it normally is.
I’m really aiming to keep better track of my monthly spending, in regards to shopping and bills. It’s not good to only have a vague idea of what’s going on in my accounts! I won’t lie, as I’ve gotten older I’ve found myself (unfortunately) more and more like my dad in terms of money management. I know all the concepts and how to save, but I find myself rather passive aggressive and more than a little secretive when it comes to money.
It’s not good, I know! And I try so hard to not be that way. I don’t know if it stems from being embarrassed by what I’m spending my money on, or the fact that I feel guilty for spending money. Clearly, I have some deep-seated issues. Maybe I’ll even come to terms with that over this year? I’ve been dealing with this since 2012 but the first step is the acknowledgement, right?
I have some serious money goals too.
Now that I have a kid, I definitely want to put away money for his education, as well as any kind of extracurricular activities he might be into. I also want to get a tattoo this summer (that’s my biggie). Plus, travel. Andrew and I also want to start putting more towards our mortgage to get that paid down a little faster.
Honestly, there’s always too much to spend your money on, and not enough money. I’m probably going to have to find a way to supplement my income at some point this year since I’ll only be working half a year once I’m back from maternity leave.
Writing everything down has been something that’s 1. eye-opening, and 2. easy to keep up with. It’s weird how just the thought of knowing I’ll have to write it down has me making the choice to not spend easier. Other than the essentials, like baby food, I’ve been able to keep my spending to a minimum.
I’ve been making budget cuts!
I’ve managed to free up almost $100 a month in expenses that weren’t essentials and will be making more budget cuts in the coming months. Our tv/internet bill is way too high but the contract ends in May. This has got me deciding whether I need to change up my streaming service (any suggestions are welcome!) and just go all internet and no tv, or find something cheaper.
On the flip side, I’ve gained some expenses that I wasn’t at the beginning of the year. Two big ones actually: one, Kaiden has decided that nursing is not for him so we are now formula feeding, and two, I’m back riding again! Both news is very exciting but rather expensive.
I’m super pumped about dealing with money this year – let’s hope that I can keep it up!
Any tips about curbing spending, or your own stories? Let me know!
J x
