A budget is born, and Thank you!

[Radiance]

I started here Jun 03 2009
I had no idea (literally) how much I spent on most things, not even the electrical bill
I could not tell you how much I had in debt.

I worked the process with your help and built my first budget.
In July I failed to adhere to it
August is the first month (In my life, I am 39) where I lived on a budget.

It needs some work, some more cut off, but at least I stayed within the numbers and with flexibility so I know I can repeat it each month.

» 01 - Housing 2219.00
» 02 - Utilities 315.00
» 03 - Food 400.00
» 04 - Transportation 688.00
» 05 - Baby 944.00
» 06 - Necessities 116.00
» 07 - Medical 120.00
» 08 - Debt 450.00
» 09 - Family Suport 322.00
» 10 - Savings 250.00

Every item can use some work, but it feels so good knowing where am I standing, knowing where my money is going, what I can and cannot do.
I feel empowered, not scared, not depressed, not deprived.

If you haven't already, get yourself on a budget, it is hard work, but it feels great and you'll be able to take real control of your life, not just an illusion of having control of it.

Thank you so much everybody who helped me. I could not have done it without you. I am blessed for having found this awesome online community

.

You guys rock

[Broken Arrow]

Go you!

[Caoineag]

Well done, the first budget is always the hardest to figure out.

[maat55]

I set mine up in Excel and entered my actual expenditures. I do not live by my budget now, I just used it to set my spending peramitures and savings.

We probably break our budget here and there, but we are still on track with our savings. You will likely get used to your budget and go on auto pilot after a few months. From time to time, you may have to go back and re-adhere to it.

[KTP]

nice job! you have a significant montly income!

What on earth does your baby do with $940 a month???

We have never had kids, but I always though a fresh litterbox and a few cans of food and you would be good to go. hmmm, maybe a good idea we never had kids...

[Radiance]

...sigh... 750 for daycare. 3 more years to public education

[creditcardfree]

Great job, Radiance!! Keep up the good work.