I am unhappy to report another payday has passed without any money going into savings. Ugh. We just spent too much on the credit card (we pay every two weeks), and we had too many other bills to pay this time. We had my first car payment, our first preschool bill, and the deduction for the kids' 529 plans.
We didn't take a step back, but we didn't go forward either.
On that note, I'm trying really hard to only spend what is absolutely necessary for the next two weeks, so I can make up for the recent lack of savings.
I have also decided on a Christmas budget for the kids of $100 each, using second-hand items to stretch that where it makes sense. An example. My youngest likes Bob the Builder. I bought him a giant red Muck dump truck for $6.00 second hand, versus about $50 for a new one.
I also wrote my financial mantra on the fridge:
Spend as little as possible on the boring things you use every day, so you have more for the things you value.
So far, this is the plan. We'll see if it works out.
treading water
September 7th, 2010 at 09:15 pm
September 7th, 2010 at 11:37 pm 1283902640
Sorry to disagree with you, but ... the 529 contribution to college would count as savings in my book!
September 8th, 2010 at 12:37 am 1283906261
We auto save in the 401k and the 529. I guess I tend to see money going into the savings account--since that is the last place the money ends up, as the savings measuring stick.
September 10th, 2010 at 10:04 pm 1284156259
Jerry