Well, I am not only going to do Carla's low no spend challenge in February, I HAVE too. Ran my end of the month numbers and I was very good last month. Not perfect but I did get to pay off the fridge. The problem is February is a month with a lot of extra expenses. Both of our daughters will have major moves and want our help. By help I mean getting to their houses and helping them move. So that is extra gas. It is also my oldest daughter's B-day, grandson's B-day, Aunt's B-day, Valentines Day. I have to pay the accountant when the taxes are finished. Ascap fees are due, and I will need to pay the Roto rooter service for last month as the bill just came. I almost want to give up. Lest I forget my specialist's bill just came and I owe $236.00 of his $811.00 bill. Is it just me or do you think I am always paying medical bills?
In addition Hubbies boots were $292.00. I knew he needed new ones, but I was blown away by the price. He wears a 9.5 the most common size and has very narrow flat feet. Hence the need for a built up insole with a high top to prevent ankle turns in the woods. His last pair were $135.00 but we got them on a 1/2 price sale. That was 4 years ago. These were not on sale. But his old ones split across the sole bottom so it wasn't like we could wait. Now I am behind. Crap!
It is okay, just for today I am fine. I have a roof over my head, food to eat, clothes to wear, people who love me.
Out My Window: Sunny and warm today almost 50! If we are not careful we will have crocuses blooming by Valentines Day.
I still have a great deal of work in the shop and also all the sewing for the Celtic show. I will make it, it is just going to be tough. I also must realize that I save a great deal of money every month. Savings comes first right off the top. 10% off hubbies gross before we even see a check. I fully fund a IRA. I am also putting $500.00 a month in a studio savings. These things are not options. Everything else besides set bills is negotiable. I will just have to work smarter. I am also going to tell my housekeeper to just come every other week. I have no kids at home and this house is clean. Every two weeks for the dog and cat hair and the heavy bathroom work is enough. I must cut my coat to fit my cloth.
I have so many de-cluttering projects for the month. Can't wait to get started!
Have a good evening.
Kim
I love that saying, I may have to steal it - I must cut my coat to fit my cloth! Brilliant, and you being a seamstress and all! Those are a lot of bills to be sure but I know you can do pretty much anything once you put your mind to it.
ReplyDeleteHey, why no pictures today?
OK, I have a question...maybe this is because of who I have for parents....but....
ReplyDeleteWhy are you constantly paying for stuff for your adult kids? I can certainly understand a little motherly help. But it seems that they EXPECT that you will do it. If you said....sweetie, here is $50, best of luck to ya....what would they do?
My parents never helped me move, paid for items for a new home, or anything like that. They said, figure it out. Just like my student loans....they paid the interest on it while I was in school, but never paid a dime again.
Just a question...no judgement...
How far are your daughters moving, Kim? Your hubby's boots were crazy expensive... Ouch! We found hubby's boots on sale for $60 this year & I was quite happy with that deal! Good luck in February!!
ReplyDeleteIt can be concerning when you see too many new/unusual bills coming in at once, but we do what we have to do. Sounds like a busy month, but don't let that scare you. Write it all down so you have a good visual of what's going on.
ReplyDeleteHang in there! I hope Feb shapes up for you. My hubby needs new boots too, Grrr! They are expensive, but WOW! Usually can get by with $130-$150 for a pair. YIKES!
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