I blew the wad!

**Daisygirl** · 12-23-2007, 06:17 AM

Creeping crud. I was doing so well, then I went and blew my Christmas budget. I got some extra surprise money and instead of paying debt with it, what did I do? Spent it on more gifts as well as some stuff for myself (I don't really get too many gifts, just what the kids can afford - eek -even I can hear the justification in that sentence.)

I went $220 above my budget. Aaargh. I am certain I can make myself feel better with these small facts, though.

1.) It was all cash and I still have some money left in the bank - not broke.
2.) It was useful items that I added on, not just fluff (craft supplies, books, and learning games)
3.) I can scrapbook for the next 6 months with the stuff I bought myself, all on sale of course.
4.) Lots of people spent way more (ok, that was weak).

What about you guys? Anyone else go voer budget?

**cherrie79** · 12-23-2007, 08:07 AM

I went over budget, but don't know the damage yet. I did put some on the Credit Card, but it was out of convenience(ran out of cash on hand) and I already sent the credit card payment in. Not broke here and all bills are paid up(rent to February and bills all have credits). So I am happy...

toile · 12-23-2007, 09:26 AM

Daisy, dont be hard on yourself

This little splurge can keep you on track now for a long while.

Plus you deserve a little treat right?

**NickiB** · 12-23-2007, 10:42 AM

I went WAY over what I planned. I got a promotion and a huge bonus right before and now as I'm tallying up what I spent I'm going

The one thing I've learned is you can only learn and move on. I do have money to pay off a cc in full so that I'm happy about!!!

**bumplett** · 12-23-2007, 10:50 AM

well, if it really bothers you, you can return what you purchased.

**Michelle68** · 12-23-2007, 11:14 AM

Yep, I was just telling DH last night how we've gone $300 over budget. Well, $120 was for buying presents for two needy families, But still...I should've foreseen something like that and budgeted for it. Geez! At least everything was bought with cash, no debt.

I do like all your justifications, though.

And, like Toile said, you should be able to give yourself a treat every once in awhile. I wouldn't feel so bad about it, if I were you. As you said, you still have money in the bank AND you can use the craft stuff later on. Maybe next year we'll BOTH do better at budgeting.

--Michelle

**yonksgirl** · 12-23-2007, 12:42 PM

I am right on track!!!!

You do deserve a treat! You and your girls have been threw so much this year, I understand wanting to have a great christmas! Here is to a better '08!

**Jill B.** · 12-23-2007, 04:06 PM

I am seriously over budget as well. I was hoping for $600 (budgeted), then realized it would be $750. Last count it was a whopping $1300. Ugh! I am disgusted. It was all in cash but still, that is so lame.

I do think it is ok to spend some of your bonus on yourself. Don't feel guilty. Deprivation makes it hard to attain total debt pay off. People feel deprived and blow the budget. Have a great holiday!

**Athena31** · 12-23-2007, 05:46 PM

I have to admit I went over budget too but at least it was all cash. I must confess I can't wait until Christmas morning to see the looks of surprise!

**frugalnana** · 12-23-2007, 06:52 PM

Yes we went way over budget. Dh has a hard time staying within budget. We are giving cash to our kids and we bought for the grandkids and our parents. One adult child needed extra since her spouse started a new job and his first paycheck was royally screwed up. He was suppose to be paid $400 and his paycheck was for $27 and the company wouldn't have it fixed until a week. So dh and I gave them their Christmas cash early and $200 extra to help them. Neither one would ask us for the money, but we brought it up and said it wasnt a loan or anything. But to just try to set a little back here and there in case this happened again.
The grandkids dh kept putting stuff into the cart and I kept asking are you looking at the prices and he said well no, but I really like this and I think they will like this. So I gave up.
No point arguing in a store.
So everything I had written down and carefully budgeted for was put away.
On a happy note it was all paid for with cash.

**adavant** · 12-23-2007, 06:58 PM

This year my budget was smaller than ever. I bought for my kids only and my budget was $200 I spent that almost exactly.

**zakity** · 12-23-2007, 07:09 PM

Nope... I am pretty careful.

But, as for going over budget...

Does the scrapbooking keep you from going bonkers? Is it relaxing for you? If so, then it isn't going over budget. It is theraputical and therefore it goes into a "sanity budget". I bet it is cheaper than paying for therapy.

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 12-23-2007, 08:59 PM

We totally went over budget for Christmas...by about $250... Like you, at least we can say it was cash and there's still $$ in the bank...but it would have been better to pay bills with it... Oh well...time to just enjoy the holidays!

**Daisygirl** · 12-24-2007, 05:29 AM

Zakity, I love tht -- sanity budget! That is hilarious, and oh so true.

I would also call it my keeping awake budget because the minute I get still and not doing something with my hands, I konk right out while my kids are still going strong!

**changed4life** · 12-24-2007, 05:57 AM

Yes, I went a little over budget by about $200 dollars or so.

Don't fret about your overspending. From your posts, you always seem so diligent in your quest for frugality. Enjoy your Christmas!