I went over the X-mas budget.

**Buckeye5** · 12-26-2006, 11:03 AM

Okay, as you know I had planned to spend just $600 for the three kids for Christmas, well I went way over the budget. Today, is a new day, though, and I know that I will be back on track beginning today. I have some big goals for 2007, and plan on sticking to the plan. If the weather stays nice here in Ohio, I am thinking of doing an After X-mas garage sale. ALso, I hate the clutter in my house right now. It was going good, the decluttering, then BAM, I look around and see the long lists of things I can't wait to do. I love the kids being home for break, but I can't dig into the big projects until they go back to school. I hopeeveryone had a wonderful X-mas and didn't go over their budgets like I did.

**yankeegal** · 12-26-2006, 12:03 PM

You are right, Buckeye, to move forward. Sounds like you are setting obtainable goals for the new year and taking steps to achieve them. Keep up the good work!

**suzysaver** · 12-26-2006, 12:09 PM

This is the first year I didn't use a cc to purchase gifts and it feels great.
I'm very proud of myself and I have no worries about paying of some big item that we usually buy. We have been scaling christmas down for several years and trying to get mom on a christmas leash..LOL. I was so proud of her this year and I don't feel comfortable getting all that stuff anyway. I'm really glad christmas is over, it's such a relief.

**Lyn5** · 12-26-2006, 02:19 PM

I went over too. I was saving up on the side for something for DH and then got it for him before I finished saving....so, this month I didn't fall behind, but didn't get ahead much either. Oh well, already moving on

I have huge goals for 2007 too and I am thinking positive about reaching them....we have been doing so well (besides the one gift), I want to keep up the momentum

**danni** · 12-26-2006, 06:14 PM

I went over also, but not beating myself up over it because we did end up with an extra kid.

**dcompton** · 12-26-2006, 09:56 PM

I went over too, and don't even have the excuse of children! Actually my budget was 0 because my friends and I don't exchange gifts. But just before Christmas I went out and spent almost $100 on ME - now how pathetic is that? But I don't regret it -- got some things for the kitchen I've been wanting for a while. I've really enjoyed using them (the star so far is a big electric skillet), so I've easily forgiven myself! For about 8 months of the year I can't use the oven; the brilliant architects who designed this complex put the apartment thermostat in the kitchen about a foot from the stove. You can imagine what a tailspin that sends the air conditioner into in a hot Louisiana summer, so I'm trying to find ways to outsmart it!

**AmyBoz** · 12-26-2006, 10:06 PM

I'm over, too. Next week is a new month, new year and we start from scratch.

**McD** · 12-26-2006, 10:18 PM

We went over as well. But I think we're going to be able to get out of all debt other than the house for the year 2007---so I figure one last splurge won't hurt.

**Mom23boys** · 12-26-2006, 11:32 PM

Tomorrow is a new day! You can start over. I hope you had a great Christmas!

**watchingpennies** · 12-27-2006, 09:27 AM

You have the right attitude! I am happy to report that I didn't go over this year...I also didn't use credit cards to buy gifts (first time ever!!) and I think that is why I didn't go over. I got a lot on sale and started shopping early!! I am decluttering too - what a great feeling (especially after Christmas when the kids end up with more than they need).

**Michelle68** · 12-28-2006, 09:27 PM

We went over budget by about $150.

Not for the kids, but for all the little extra family gifts, Secret Santa gifts for work, etc. As I posted before we don't put anything on CCs so it was all cash, but as a result we didn't put as much into savings as I wanted to. Oh well, as Scarlett O'Hara said, "tomorrow is another day!"

--Michelle

**favesis37** · 12-29-2006, 08:34 AM

well i was under(only because hubby is off work) but i am looking forward to next year and seeing if i can stay with in a budget

**ubumartin** · 12-29-2006, 09:32 AM

I went over! I only bought what I wanted to get for them. They are very appreciative and I feel they work hard in school so I don't regret my purchases. I had my hubby bring back a big ticket item he bought for me. I used mostly cash and started earlier than usual so the bills won't be too bad after Christmas. I do medical transcripton and took extra to do over the weekends and that offset some of the spending.

**Kisobel** · 12-31-2006, 09:27 AM

this is the first year i haven't gone over my plans. heck this is the first year i made solid budget plans. and we also had cash for this christmas-- another first for us. i love my freedom account. the car insurance is due in jan and this is the first year i havent had to panic and scramble. i'm having a very peaceful new years.

kate
i really need to update my sig line