The Internet and Other Disasters

This week presented problems for …, well for not having credit cards in my wallet. I have been thinking up ways that I could the money on my cards. Not only that, but I have been shopping online. At first it was for things I needed. Things like my makeup that I buy cheaper on Amazon and a birthday present for my step father.
One thing led to another and I was shopping clothing “sales” for items I DID NOT need. The internet is the devil when you’re bored and broke!

I was able to stop myself because I had plans for lunch with my best friends on Saturday and as you all have read in previous posts, dinning with my friends is one of my vices. So, I knew I had to keep my money in my pockets. Thankfully, my husband has all my credit cards so that shopping to cure boredom will not break my resolution.

Boredom was not my only enemy this week. My “Check Engine” light on my car turned on at just about the same time that my breaks began to squeak. Poop! I have money saved up for things like this, BUT, I have also saved for my trip to New Orleans (leaving in a week in a half). What to do?

I suppose I will have to split my savings down the middle and hope for a miracle…

Setting Boundaries

So, this past week has been about reestablishing a new and improved relationship with my finances (i.e. having Jay, my loving and patient husband, stash my credit cards in an undisclosed location).

In any new relationship, you must set boundaries. I have had to rewrite my budget so that my priorities are clearly stated. I have had to look at my previous bank statements to see where I spend my money and make adjustments accordingly.
It’s funny because my bank statement says a lot about who I am. You can tell when I am celebrating and when I have had a bad day. I have spent $100 in one sitting dinning out with friends (need to watch that) and can spend $200 shopping for items that I don’t really need.

I usually shop when I have had a tough week. I feel a release of stress after I have been shopping that helps me to forget my demanding day. It usually starts by me stopping by the mall to “window shop.” I don’t mean to spend an exuberant, but after “unwinding” in Sephora or “relaxing” at White House Black Market I have spent way too much.

What is way too much? That is what my new budget is helping me to finally see. I have to get my priorities set. I need to provide for my household (groceries & utility bills etc) and pay down on debt. The UGLY truth is the there is not much left for unwinding at the mall. BOOOOOO!
I cannot step over that boundary again until I have met my goals and realized my priorities.

Happy New Year!

Ok, I have decided that enough is enough!! I have been living year to year with a rolling balance of $5,000 in credit card debt without an end in sight!  I have promised my husband year after year (since we have been dating) that “this is the year that I am going to pay off  this debt!”  Well, I have made a liar out of myself!
 
This year instead of vowing to lose some insignificant amount of weight or to give up Sour Patch Kids, I am going to challenge myself to go 365 days without using my credit cards.  I am putting the plastic aside, ladies and gentlemen!  I am freeing myself of this financial baggage and am going to attempt to  LIVE WITHIN MY MEANS!!! (whatever that means…)
 
Is there life without PLASTIC???  I am determined to find out!  Follow me on my year long journey…it is gonna be interesting!