Good Morning and Happy Friday!!!! yippee! I am finished with my Fiscal Fast, although since I truly only FASTED for one of the 7 days, I should've called it a Fiscal Diet. I definitely was more thoughtful, intentional and conscientious with my spending, but going 7 days without spending just didn't happen.
My last day of the Fast I left the house armed with a $100 bill. {See what I mean about not fasting?!?} I needed groceries and gas. I went to Publix and got what I needed...I spent $37.69, but SAVED $43.57! I was very excited! I had coupons on this trip! Then I went and put gas in Mr. Steady's truck...spent $50.
Now, I've got about $12 left, right? Earlier in the day, I'd received a note/promo code on my iPhone for $10 off any $10.01+ purchase at American Eagle. bingo! My oldest son wanted a bottle of their cologne the last time we were in that store, and of course I told him that would have to wait. I decided that the cologne would make a perfect Christmas gift! It was regular $32.50, marked down to $19.99, and with my $10 coupon I spent around $10.59. So - I deviated from my Fast with the purchase, but it was a good deal and I've put it away to save for him for Christmas.
Here's the low-down on my 7 days:
Day 1: $73
Day 2: $48
Day 3: $87
Day 4: No Spend Day
Day 5: $62
Day 6: $16
Day 7: $98
Now - for the crummy news. I have been keeping a running balance of what I have left of my $1678 "allowance". Last night I had $960 left for the month. Not bad! I have a few big expenses that I know are coming up, but expected to have $397 left for groceries and gasoline. This morning I found out that I had an American Express balance of $390 due by 8/24!
Big.
Fat.
Bummer.
So, today I retackle this budget. I'm determined to not use my credit card and to not move money over from savings.
On a positive note, I finished my meal planning for the month and am able to use the food in our freezers for just about everything. I'll need to buy a few things today to round out the meals, but I'm hoping to keep that cost around $100. I'm shopping today and will let you know how I do.
A lot of numbers are swimming around in my mind today!
OMG! I have to tell you this. As I was downloading the above image, I got a call from the mom of one my youngest son's friends saying that a birthday party invitation had been returned to her and that Jeff is invited to the boy's party tomorrow afternoon! I had to laugh because Jeff would LOVE to go...and I have to figure out how to squeeze a bit more $$ for a gift.
Suggestions for nice and inexpensive gifts?!?
4 comments:
Bummer on the cc. bill! :/ As for the boys gift, how old is he? Can you hit the clearance aisles at the toy store? Or maybe a good book & a small G.C?
Ah, yes, the dreaded cc bill. That happens to me because I'm trying to earn cash back, and then I forget when I "charge" something. Hopefully you'll be able to make it without dipping into savings, but even if it's just a little bit, look at all the money you did save this past week!
Great work on the Meal planning!
Don't use Credit cards anymore.
Sft x
Carla- was shopping for a 10y/o boy so I ended up looking for something that my son could never have too many of. Got a Nerf basketball and hoop for $6. I felt cheap doing it but I know it was something, even though small, that my son would be thrilled to receive!
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