There it goes again....

[rachelMcK]

This month we ended up with a large surplus in money, which was going to go to debt. Well, not so much. We got a nintendo wii in stead. Its actually really worth the money we spent (Eeek $400+). We both love it and we're happy we got it. It was a graduation present for me but for both of us because DH had to put up with the stress and all nighters as much as I did. We've decided we're also only going to buy used games plus DH gets a 10% membership discount or rent them so we're alright there.

Though we're still sort of budgetting, I kinda lost sight of the big picture because our lives are a little up in the air right now. I just completed an interview at a place I really want. If I get the job, our income will almost double, if not more. We're also going to have to move, so the rest of the money we have is just going to sit for that.

All that being said, I really want to get frugal when after (if) we move and start this new chapter. With a higher income, it will look like we're paying off faster, which will be greater because before we were putting so little towards the debt that it seemed pointless...

So I need a refresher. I need your best "starting over" tips...

Thanks!

[ewokgirl]

I'm too sick right now to think clearly about any tips to give you. I just wanted to congratulate you on your graduation! Well done! Also, my hubby's company has a Nintendo Wii at the office, and he loves it! He wants one now... You deserve a nice gift, and as long as you didn't go into debt for it, no guilt! Congratulations!

[Radish4ever]

DH got a Wii when they first came out as his bday/Christmas gift We just BARELY got by without putting it on CCs. LOL

We've implemented "fun money" (or allowance really) for each other... we each get $90 'fun money' a month.......

What we've done is have a "zero budget" I think is what it's called - really assigning EVERY penny to SOMETHING. That's how we paid off our $685 hospital bill this month! I wrote it ALL out - mortgages, minimums on CCs, car payment, water, electricity, savings etc.........fun money for me, fun money for him, grocery money......... anyway, unless we don't spend all of our fun money or grocery money, the end of the month will be $0. This is the easiest way for us to be able to decide what to do with our cash. Also, DH only gets paid once am month. All of our bills (except 2 I think) are due by the 10th, so this works out PERFECTLY. I make sure all the bills are paid and sent by the 1st - including big debt payment money! LOL
So this month, if I get really close to going over budget, TOO BAD - it has to stop because the money won't be there.

The only reason we're being so drastic about it is because I have a baaaaaaaaaaad habit of going to, say... Target..., and just "browsing" like every aisle (especially the clearance endcaps lol) and spending all sorts of money until we're down to practically $0 at the end of the month anyway... and I'm buying more CRAP instead of wiping out DEBT! So it's easier to just be more upfront for me!!


Keep us updated on the job!
Enjoy the Wii! DH loves his He's taught DD how to play tennis on it. lol

[pita1213]

hey don't feel too bad about the wii. you deserved something for graduating and it was money you had, not a cc. and at least witht hte wii, you get some exercise since you don't sit on your butt to play all the games. a couple of retirement homes have them to help keep teh residents active. bowling and shuffleboard. keeps the mind and body active

[geckoace]

i would love a wii were are considering selling all the other systems (we have game cube, xbox, and old dreamcast, and 2 gameboys LOL) just to get it.

anyway my starting over tip is to list your goals and priorities. it has been my experience that sometimes you just need to clarify what you are really trying to do and then things fall into place better. then i would write down all of the things you need to pay/ do and see whats left over to figure out

[Mom23boys]

Congratulations on your graduation! Enjoy your Wii!!

To start over, just say today is a new day and begin again.