Some of you might remember my post about how January was a good month for us. I had kept my spending log the entire month, did not go to Target or Walmart or any other booby-trap stores where I am tempted to dump loads of money, and we saved everything we could. When we had a chunk of extra money at the end of the month, DH was thrilled and amazed and fell in love me all over again

Well, a couple days ago I asked him how February fared... he said we had a surplus again. I had kept my spending log current, did not shop for anything except 5 birthday gifts and the necessities, and cooked at home. I did, however, shop for a ton of groceries because we were expecting company. Other than that, nothing.

So now I can see the "leak in the boat" was.... ME!!!!! Not that it was a surprise or anything, but it is still shocking to realize how much money gets piddled away here and there on unnecessary things.

March, unfortunately, won't be as wonderful for us because I did have to go out and buy some sandals and a few things for the kids (and a couple pairs of capri pants for me) because the weather has heated up this past week. But I didn't go crazy buying clothes for the kids b/c the younger two get hand-me-downs from the oldest... and I lucked out by receiving some hand-me-downs from my best friends older son.

So I just wanted to post this to show that it is possible to change our ways and work toward our goals. In the past, there was no way I would think I could do this well and still be *happy* but I am more at peace and our whole family feels it.

good for you it just takes baby steps sometimes to meet our goals!!! keep up the awesome work!

__________________
'The will of God will never take you where the
Grace of God will not protect you.'

I'm so proud of you Kellytime. :rah rah:

I love it that you saw something that needed to be changed and changed it. I love it that when you figured out the 'leak' was you, you admitted it.

This is such great news. I love it that we are inspiring each other to really make changes in our lives.

Thanks, Kellytime. You made my day!

__________________

YAY for you!!!! Okay so tell the secrets about your spending log. I made one for me and one for the bf to have on us at all times and record that. I am planning on us starting it up this weekend. I am really eager to see how much we really are wasting. Next month is my no spend month, unless it is an absolute necessity!!! I know I can do it.

This is so cool! I'm proud of you. I discovered the Gymboree outlet in Arizona Mills. Little diva has outgrown all her other warm-weather clothes and I had to get her more. I'd much rather pay $6-12 per outfit than what the mall charges, which is why I usually avoid Gymboree. I'm thinking of taking them to the park today to play in the water.

__________________
Make someone's heart smile today.

The Really Needy, Special, Networking and Talking Mod

Hooray for you!! I have been doing really well too and you were one of the Mommysavers inspirations for me!! Thank you!! I was just a little unbalanced... I have a new outlook on "needs" and in the process of decluttering have also been trying not to bring in any non-crucial non-consumables. I have marked the days with no new non-consumables in my journal too! More stuff is going out than coming in so my house is looking great and more money is coming in than going out so my bank account is looking great too!! So THANKS for the inspiration!! Mommysavers rock!

__________________
Mommy to Bryce 2/20/2005 and Skye 3/4/2008

OOOOOH! I just saw that it is your birthday Kellytime!! Don't be too frugal today! I hope you have/had a great day!

__________________
Mommy to Bryce 2/20/2005 and Skye 3/4/2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!:rah rah:

__________________
Make someone's heart smile today.

The Really Needy, Special, Networking and Talking Mod

Great job! I know what you mean by the leak being "you". I've posted before that I've been staying out of the booby trap stores and my relationship with my husband is better than ever. No longer do I cringe when he checks the checkbook. I know there isn't anything I've spent that would be unnecessary. It's an amazing feeling.

I've got the March expenditures for clothing too. We're in California and have been getting some 90 degree weather too. The good part is I'm finding that my daughter can still fit into some of her clothes from last year. I'm only buying the kids what they need b/c I'm trying to simplify our lives with less clothing!

You are inspiring! I now feel I can chug through another month and not go in those places!

Good job!

__________________
All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother- Abraham Lincoln

Well, I've tried to do these in the past and never stuck with it past 2 days. But this one is simple and I keep it out on the countertop where I will see it and list anything I purchased that day. The items and prices are still fresh in my mind, so it's easy to jot it down. And, because I wasn't spending money much at all, when I DID spend money I quickly jotted it down if it was a "splurge" item ( McDonald's seemed to be a repeat offender...)

The inspiring part was seeing how few items I had to list.

My form was simple; I made a spreadsheet with some columns: Date/Item/Cost/Purpose

By looking at my January log and February log I can see McDonald's is our biggest problem! ((working on that...))

Good luck!!!!