I am really excited to be participating in the FTJ project. I want to get a handle on our spending and take a second look at our discretionary spending.

Except for a couple of little "unallowed" stuff that DH picked up, we have been good.

However......, we've had some out of the norm "needed" purchases that have come up this month already that are greatly eating into our budget. First, the oven had to be fixed, $100 for that. A late bill for DD's surgery last year came in, $200 for that. I have an xray today, and need to pay $300. DS needs a new uniform shirt and pants for a school organization, $73 for that. Not to mention other insurance co-pays and a hearing test for DD coming up in the next 2 weeks.

The $300 will eventually be reimbursed, but all of these sudden "necessary" bills within the first week of the challenge has been very discouraging for both DH and I. The little we've spent on those "allowed" items has been so over-shadowed by these other items that we can't see how well we are doing, if we are.

I guess I just need to vent, as I was expecting to look at our checking account and see the "extra" $$ that we have by being good. Instead, it looks even worse than usual. Not very encouraging.

How do we keep up the motivation?

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SAHM of 4

August food budget (groceries/take-out): $500.00/$75.00
Total spent: $238.97/$14.12

July budget/spent: $500.00/$650.00

aww, hon.. chin up!

It sounds like you guys really are trying and sometimes things come up that we just can't plan for. At some point, it sounds as though it would be good for you guys to try to build up a savings for emergencies like the oven, etc. I know that sounds overwhelming - at least it does to me! My goal is just to make sure my bills are paid every month, let alone build a savings account! But keep doing your best with the spending freeze and I bet there will be some exercises in learning how to save wisely and maybe you guys can take some wisdom from that as well.

I'm sorry you're discouraged so near the beginning. But every day is a new day! Start fresh tomorrow! You can do it.

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Carly
SAHM to:
DS Levi (9)
DD Abbey (7)

Keep at it. Just think of how far behind you would be if you hadn't been trying so hard to be good! Stay strong and keep the faith that it will get better, and easier, over time.

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Children Learn What They Live, And Live What They Learn.
What have you taught your child today?
When life throws you a curve ball...it's up to you how you catch it!

Yep - good thing you were watching what you were spending, huh?

I've heard that sometimes when you start watching what you spend closely you can seem to be tested! Stay strong and you'll pull thru!

If you can at all I'd highly suggest (as suggested above) that you get an emergency fund in place. It really does help in spots like these!

I'd also recommend reading Dave Ramsey's "The Total Money Makeover"! (if you haven't already)

I know it can get hard though, but you really should be proud for all that you have saved! Good luck!

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Stay at home mom to my 3 boys... ages 5, 3 & 1!

I can do all things through CHRIST who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

I agree with everyone else. Think of the positive if you had not started the FTJ project you would be in the hole. So keep up the good work and take this as a lesson learned.

This happens to everyone...it can be very frustrating.

I agree with the other ladies, keep your chin up and think what your situation would be like if you weren't watching your money. You might be in worse shape than you are now.

Next month will be better.

I think everyone else is right. Just think about how much worse those unexpected expenses would be if you weren't watching your spending already.

Just focus on that and know that because you were doing so good these expenses will pass and you will still be on track.

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Proud mommy to adorable Kinsley

MY BLOG!

Thank you for the encouragement everyone! You're right, I do have to look at the positive and realize we'd be hurting even more if we didn't cut down our spending this year.

We did have an emergency fund, but unfortunately, four members of our family had health issues last year and that pretty much depleated it (but, that's what an emergency fund is for). I wanted to get a leg up on replenishing it this year, but I guess it's gonna take a bit longer than expected. Hopefully, our tax return will be able to help.

Thanks again and I'll have to look up Dave Ramsey's book. I've been wanted to read it.

__________________
SAHM of 4

August food budget (groceries/take-out): $500.00/$75.00
Total spent: $238.97/$14.12

July budget/spent: $500.00/$650.00