It’s May first!! I can breathe a sigh of relief and close out April’s obsessive detailed budget spreadsheet. Thank goodness that month is over. I was counting down the days there at the end.
“Must make it to the 30th. Don’t go to the store. Don’t buy anything. The new month is coming.”
It was rather intense there at the end. Ah, on to May.
Proving that I don’t learn from my mistakes, I managed to spend the kids’ entire clothing budget on two items.
On the first day of the month. And went over by $5.
Of course, checking out Daniel’s outfit, perhaps I should have spent a little more. Well, only 30 days left to go in May.
Sigh.
Kathy
Project 366 – Day 122
And May is one day longer than April was, too. Sometimes I’ve felt that 1-day difference acutely. May you have wisdom and purchasing discernment this month!!
Hang in there, you can do it!!
I love you, sweet Edgrens. Aunt Kate
Kathy,
Hang in there. The first month, the budget is supposed to essentially fail or at least be tweaked often. And so on until after a few months, you start to get a feel for things. I have been shocked to find that areas I didn’t think we spent much on have been completely socked lately- like Dr copays or organization dues and fees. So clearly I am finding out that I need to budget things seasonally as well as monthly!
I would be willing to bet that you guys spent significantly less overall, though, than you typically would have in April, right? Ultimately, that’s the goal!
Leeann
Hang in there, Kathy. New budgets (or as DR says, “cash flow plans”) are like muscles that haven’t been used in a while. It takes time to make them strong and until you use them enough, things are going to be sore for a while.
Persevere through this… it will get better. We’ve all been there counting the days until the end of the month and the next paycheck… even when we just got paid yesterday.
Sigh.
Do not despair… it will get easier.
I felt that pain in April. Some months are great on a budget, some are HORRIBLE! Last month our gas budget alone was over by $120!!! The important thing is, you’re able to see this and learn how to tweak the budget to better fit the family.
LOL! I get excited, anticipating pay day too!
You go, girl!
You always make me smile.
And this post reminded me that I need to pay bills tonight! Thanks.