If only it truly grew on trees…
Hmmm…don’t know about you but it’s still pretty hard to get the whole 2010 date out…I keep wanting to use 2009 but then I’d be making me start all over from last year and that is DEFINITELY NOT something I wish to do. Talk about the toughest financial year this family has ever had! Now we’re slowly but surely getting back on track and I want to keep it going again. Last year was a year we learned to be humble, tried to be more frugal, and definitely was thankful to still make it through while living on 1/3 of what we were accustomed to while I was home with the kids and DH’s electrical work slowed down TREMENDOUSLY. Stress was high for all as we apparently had to be brought to our knees and slapped around a couple of times to make us realize we were acting foolish with our financial decisions in the past with our debt and not saving money as we should have.
Now I’ve been working full time again outside of the home since December 21st. Loving going into the office to get away from the home family free. Don’t get me wrong, I love my family, but I love feeling independent too. I enjoy having a reason to look nicer than cotton exercise sets or jeans/t-shirts ALL the time. Not sure about you but getting dressed up a little boosts the self-esteem a bit. I no longer feel like a frumpy grumpy stay at home mom of 3 kids…I just feel better inside.
In regards to my finances I can now proudly say that…
- A portion of my paycheck is now set to auto pay into a special savings account where I am only allowed to withdraw between October and December UNLESS there is a MAJOR EMERGENCY.
- A portion of my paycheck is set to auto pay my home, vehicles, insurance (auto/medical) in a separate checking account. Once I am able I plan to make 1/2 payment extra on each so that I can stay ahead of the game a bit and go back to breaking bills up bi-monthly. Eventually I’d like to add my utilities (phones, gas, water, electricity, eventually cable again) to the auto-plan. Right now DH pays that in cash from his pay.
- The remainder of my paycheck goes to the joint checking account which will be for vehicle gas, groceries and play.
I’d like to also pay myself a portion for my own personal play money. I used to give myself 50-100 to do whatever I desired every paycheck in the past and wondering if that’s still a good amount. I think it’s important to give yourself a little reward for all the hard work you’ve done. It’s been forever it seems since I’ve spoiled myself to a spa treatment or hair cut; something I used to treat myself to at least once a month.
Getting my finances under control was something I aimed to do this year in my resolutions. I’m on the road to success and hoping things continue going.
Now I need to re-organize my time again. I’m a great multi-tasker but I need to get back into the swing of family, work, school, and me. Since I’ve been working, my home is not as organized/clean as I’d like. Today I’ve been doing laundry all day, house still needs to be vacuumed, my bathrooms are ick still, dishes are thankfully done, there are books and writing that’s still to be done…I’ve got to find that happy balance again. I once said that I felt like I did more efficiently when I was working FT, raising kids, and in school and I know it. Just need to get back into that old soccer mom mind set.
Soon you’ll find more posts as I get back into the swing of things. I’ll be sharing some tips to make life easier for me and my family and I’m sure I’ll be learning new tips from my fellow readers here as well.
So tell me…WHAT’S YOUR FINANCIAL TIP FOR ME?
