[doodles44]

Ok, I wanted to give an update to everyone on my status. This helps me to stay accountable.

This is what I did: I stopped using one of my credit cards. I really like my Discover, but went with the Mastercard because it's more universally accepted. Part of my problem was putting things on two different cards and not realizing how much I was spending overall. I have set aside my Discover for emergencies and perhaps large purchases like my car insurance.

My next statement from my Mastercard will be around $200-$220. My billing cycle ends on 11/10 and I'm sitting at $160 with groceries and perhaps another tank of gas to go. This is really good for me and I've tried to hold off on any unnecessary new purchases.

I'm going to try and save a little bit from each paycheck for unexpected purchases and gifts. I would like to make it a regular $20/month and see how I do. (I'll be starting this in December since things are a little tight this month).

So this month, after bills and savings, I will have $77 in "cash" in my bank account and I have $30 in my wallet. I always charge my regular expenses like groceries, gas and the like. The extra money is my fun money for eating out, drinking and other small expenses. I am going to try and keep this month's expenses as low as possible. Then next month, I'm back in business.

After paying my $200 credit card bill in December, I'll have extra money freed up for future purchases (like I usually like to do). It will just take a lot of discipline this month but I'm going with the goal in mind - today's the 2nd so it could be a long month!