8/31-9/14 Budget

I love it when payday is on a Monday, I feel like my week falls into place better when I can start my budget on the beginning of the week. August was our second full month on Dave Ramsey's "Envelope System", and like I keep saying-it's WONDERFUL! You know your plan is really working when you forget it's payday because your not out of money! This last pay period was the dreaded 3 weekend pay check, which normally leaves us broke by the 3rd weekend. But in fact, we had more left over then normal and I didn't even realize today was payday until I logged onto my bank this morning and saw the deposit. Then later, a friend mentioned how long this period had been. Normally I complain along side her, but this week I was so grateful for the changes we've made and the peace of mind it brings!

For the next 2 weeks it will just be me, David will be out of town again for work. This lowers our grocery and blw money ammounts, but since I'll be traveling back to Florida our gas budget will be higher. Here's the plan:

Food/HBA: $30
Gas: $100
Blow Money: $60
Misc/Entertainment: $30
Dog: $20
Travel/Gifts/Christmas: $150
Marine Corps Ball: $50


I am SO, SO excited about September being here. It's probably my favorite month! It's the start of football season, cooler weather, fall smells, changing leaves, MY BIRTHDAY, and most exciting-next weekend is my parent's 25th wedding anniversary!

Where did August go?

I feel like I completely missed it. This will only be my third post of the month! But don't worry, it's not because I've fallen off the wagon, we've just been busy and away from the house. But we're still plugging along and actually got some great financial news yesterday. I'll post about it later though, as there are still a few things I am waiting on before I post.

So what was great about August?

• We paid $680 toward debt (including a truck payment and 2 credit cards.
• We paid off a small credit card( Credit Card #2) and only have one left.
• We added $150 to sinking funds.
• We added no new debt.
• We increased our net worth by over $1000!

And where did we miss?

• I did use the debit card for a few things totaling $50.
• We missed our Credit Card #1 payment goal by $100.
• We went over our gas budget by $40.

So overall it was a great month, especially considering we were both traveling for 3 weeks out of the month!

Checking In

I know it's been a while since I posted, and I just wanted to let y'all know I am still on plan, just busy. I'm at my parents house, my brother is flying in this weekend! He's been deployed since Easter, so we're excited about that and busy getting stuff together for a homecoming/triple birthday party. Me, my brother and sister all have birthdays within a month. Starting with my sister, who turned 14 today, then my brother will be 22 on the 25th, and I'll be 24 exactly a month from today!

I have been sticking to my budget, which is fairly simple since it's just me. David is still out of the country on a short deployment. I've been using cash only, and still loving it.

There really isn't much to say, finance wise, since I'm not at home. Maybe I'll take some pictures later of what we've been up to. My parents have a small hobby farm with 4 goats and several chickens. The ultimate goal is to be almost completely self sufficient. The chickens provide both meat, eggs, and fertilizer. The goats provide milk and meat. I've been planning a post about some things they do here, like making homemade goat cheese and such, but it still needs some work before I post it.

But that's enough of my rambling, I am still reading blogs and getting great ideas from everyone! Have a great weekend!

How do you stay on plan?

It seems like this time of year everyone is busy with back to school, or vacations before school starts back, camps, and family reunions. For us, David is leaving this week for a short deployment, and I'll be heading to my parents house for most of the month for both my brother and sister's birthdays. My brother will also be coming home from his deployment!!!

So with all these great things going on, I've been thinking about about how I can stay on budget and still enjoy the last bits of summer. I've come up with a few things I think will help.

• As always, before I made my budget, I sat down with the calendar and filled out all the events for the month. Then I budgeted according to what's going on. I think it's extremely important to base the budget on the events of the month, otherwise you are bound to go off plan.
• I won't be home on the next payday, I so I made sure to have a copy of the budget in my purse, on my laptop, and even downloaded to my phone. That way I always know my budgeted amounts.
• I also have alerts since to my phone via text from my bank. It lets me know the balances of my account daily, as well as any transactions that have posted. This is a GREAT help, and also gives me such peace of mind. It's great security because if something were to be incorrect or stolen from my account I would know very soon and can take the proper steps.
• Again, I can't say enough how the envelope system has helped us! We will definitely be continuing it.
• I've also printed off, or gathered coupons I know I'll use while traveling. For example I've earn some free 20 oz. Coke coupons from www.mycokerewards.com and also free jerky and candy bar coupons. These will be so helpful while traveling!

These are just a few things I hope will help me stay on plan while away from home this month. If you have any, please comment. I'd love to hear your ideas!