We way overdid the spending this month...I mean way. Here's the breakdown that I finally made myself do and it made me physically ill. I just had to admit it to someone before I talk to DH about it...just to get it out of my own head.

Total $ in: 7962
Total $ out: 6857
Leaving a balance of: $1105

Groceries: 790
Eating out: 385
Gas: 515
Clothing: 473 (definately a need this month, not a want)
Wal-mart: 755 (and I'm not even sure what this is all on!)
Cash withdrawals: 300
Bills: 3225 (including tithes)
Transfer to savings: 200
Car maintenance/repair: 145
Misc: 69

Seriously, how much can two adults and two small children eat?! Needless to say we have tons of stuff in the cabinets and it's going to waste. I threw away a pack of pork chops and hamburger meat. God please forgive me!!

What is done is done, the main thing is that you are aware of it and are making an effort to do better, the next month.

It is like being on a diet, when you cheat, just try to do better the next day!'

Good Luck!

Look on the positive side - you had $1,105 left after expenditures. You weren't in the negative. I think that's pretty darn good!

The only suggestion I have is for clothing. You say it was a need so my question is, where did you buy the clothes? Maybe next time check the thrift stores around and see if you can find what you need there first. Otherwise, that's a pretty good chunk to have left over!

right, what's done is done. The only item that maybe could help you is Walmart, is there anything you bought that you didn't open and can still return? Or even some of the clothing? If not, its a lot, but yes, you are still on the positive side of things. Print this list and keep it with you in your wallet so next time you open it, you'll see it first. Every day is a challenge to eat right, spend right, act right....we can't be perfect!

Amen!! I wish we'd have enough income this last month to PAY our stinkin' bills. Things have just been going downhill so steadily! grrrrr

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I am sorry that you feel bad, but it is hard to relate when those numbers are astronomical to some of us.

Cathleen

Well I think if you are aware of your habits and what you are doing on an ongoing basis it doesn't sneak up on you or you can do the check in the middle of the month instead of the end.

I am starting May by keeping a running total in each category as far as what I spend and what is budgeted. It will be updated on a regular basis and we can tweak it as the month goes along.

I know to some the numbers seem high, but I am convinced that the more you make the more you spend too.

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Grace

Wife to Stoney

Mommy of Sarah (8.5), Hannah (7), and John(4.5)

Even if you did spend more than you probably should you didn't go into debt last month and that is something. The good news is you know what you did wrong and can correct it.

I would suggest making a menu. I really don't like to but I have found that it sure makes things easier and I KNOW what we are going to have even if I change the day we have it every now and then.

Keep up the good work and don't beat yourself up to much.

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Do you have the receipt from WalMart somewhere? I would try to recall where it is, look it over and be accountable for what you spent. That is a lot of money to spend when you don't even know what you spent it on.

It sounds like you learned a lesson from this, though. I'm sure next time, when you spend that much in one place, you'll know exactly what you got for your money.

With your acknowledgement of your mistake this time, I'm sure next month will be more on target for spending. Just pick yourself up, brush off, and stick to your budget next month.

As long as you didn't go into debt ~ you are still ahead in the game. It happens ~ pick yourself up & brush yourself off... start again.

I would suggest that you take an inventory of what you have in the pantry/freezer/fridge & then make menus trying to use up all of that stuff for the next few weeks. Just get the things you really need (like fresh fruit/milk)

Keep on pluggin!

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