Facing reality...

**Nath.** · 02-09-2006, 01:36 PM

I started counting this morning. I took my december bank statement and january statement to see how much I spend on the unescessary things.

Ouch!

I can't believe I spend $1285 in grocery in Dec. and 998$ in Jan. 220$ in restaurant in Dec. and 150$ in Jan. Over 200$ in clothes each month. I have over 400$ of "what the heck did I buy there" junk I can't even figure what they are each month.

And I thought I was somewhat frugal LOL (what a joke!)

Good things is that it shouldn't be too much of a problem to drop the grocery bill a bit and save money to put on the debts.

I'm giving myself a full month to read more on debts reduction and I'll be starting the debts challenge officially in March.

Nath

**Emerald_Mommy** · 02-09-2006, 01:45 PM

We all have to face that reality moment sometime! You're on the right path and you can do this!

**homesteadmamma** · 02-09-2006, 02:04 PM

You've done the first step. Your well on your way to becoming frugal and getting rid of debt. We will be here cheering you on.

**canadian gardener** · 02-09-2006, 02:26 PM

Way to go Nath!!! it's hard to face it, but it's the first step and for people who take courage, and commit to writing it down, and looking at it square on, they usually make faster progress in dealing with any problems.

You are more than half way there, just by doing that. And you didn't do so bad, everybody is shocked when they first see their own spending.

I've been tracking mine again, and I'm not the frugal diva I thought I was.

sign me

Mrs. Spendy!!!! who is rather embarrassed!!!!!

**alabamagirl** · 02-09-2006, 02:33 PM

I can relate! I spent $500 in groceries and $300 eating out in January - I had never tracked the money before.

Great first step and we can encourage each other.

**pammy** · 02-09-2006, 04:14 PM

That person in the mirror is hard to face sometimes. Very hard. That is a big first step, congrats!!

**thrifty gal** · 02-09-2006, 04:27 PM

Good thing you discovered this now. And, now you can move towards paying off that debt. Good luck.

**Mojjo** · 02-09-2006, 04:56 PM

I'll let you in on a little secret. The hardest part was finding out where it went. After that...cutting back was relatively easy. It just hurt to see what we had been wasting. Starting to spend smart...cake.

**Mamaw** · 02-09-2006, 06:17 PM

Good job. Keep it up and it will come along for you!

**AmyBoz** · 02-09-2006, 07:37 PM

You've done the first step, the rest should be easy! (Okay, maybe not easy, but easier now that you know where the leaks are!) I look forward to watching your progress!

**Nath.** · 02-09-2006, 10:24 PM

Thank's girls

You know, I am not discourage, a bit sad ya, of seeing how much we spend for "I don't even remember what" but not discourage... I am not living in a critic situation like some of the girls here, so I consider myself lucky to have a choice.

I'm really looking forward to all this, I really want things to change and I know I'm strong minded enough to do so....not to say that, being surrounded by a good support team is a big PLUS. I simply can't fail LOL

...I'll probably need a couple reminders or a couple kick in the butt here and there...and I'm sure you ladies can help me on that part LOL

**Darlene** · 02-10-2006, 07:25 AM

Ready and willing to kick butt, lol.
Good for you for looking it (spending habits)straight in the eye and saying this is not the way I want things to be and then doing something about it. You can do this Nath!