Ah, the holiday season. The season of giving and the season of undue stress, especially on those of us who are financially challenged. This will represent the third season in a row of not using credit cards to fund my holiday season. The first time, it wasn't because I didn't want to, because I truly did.
It was because the cards were maxed out, or the payments were getting behind.
It wasn't until a few months later that I cut up the credit cards and began the adventure of getting out of debt once and for all. It has been learned that giving gifts is not about the item(s) in the box, but rather the thought that is in the heart. This much is true. I have sold a lot of the things that I rather like (such as DVDs), but am learning to survive without. I really don't have the time to watch them anymore, and the best memories are those within my head.
You can always make gifts, even if you aren't very handy or overtly blessed with craftsmanship. Sometimes a personal, handwritten note, will mean more than the bottle of expensive perfume, the newest and greatest toy, or anything else that you may purchase.
Enjoy the season for the people that are in your life. Be thankful for all that you have. I will continue the 100 Ways to Save Money by 11/18/09 at the latest.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
A Long Time Comin'
Thank you for all of your concern while I have been absent from the blog. Everything is alright, and I have a renewed, and more intense and burning desire to be rid of my debt. Lately, I have been selling things on ebay and craigslist and turning around and using that money to pay off debt.
It helps.
I haven't always been honest about my spending problem (like an alcoholic who hides his/her behavior from others). I saw something on the Dave Ramsey show one night that talked about financial infidelity. I was guilty of it. Now, I let my wife know about every transaction that I do and give her full access to my accounts (which are password protected). I want her to know that I am serious about this.
She was a great help to me when I gave her the printout for my bank accounts (we keep separate accounts). She combed through those and came up with ways that I am wasting money. It would be $1.25 here, $2.45 there, but it was adding up. Here are a few things that I have done that you may find helpful:
1. Make a budget - I am a firm believer of telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went. I have had to make a few minor adjustments as I go, but they are always with my wife's watchful eye. Any money that I get from selling things (like DVDs, tools, TV) have gone toward the debt.
2. DON'T EAT OUT SO MUCH!!!- I now have a $25 budget allotment for eating out, and when it is gone, it is gone. I used mine this month for an all-you-can-eat sushi dinner (well worth it). I take my lunch to work every day (which is seven days a week) and spend as much in a week as some of my co-workers spend on one meal.
3. Cook more at home - This works hand in hand with number 2, but I will fix some cheap ramen noodle dishes, beans, etc. and will take the leftovers to work. I also cook my breakfast each morning, be it oatmeal, biscuits (from scratch), or a breakfast burrito.
I will pick back up with the blog and the 100 ways to save money series, I just needed a break to get my stuff more together.
It helps.
I haven't always been honest about my spending problem (like an alcoholic who hides his/her behavior from others). I saw something on the Dave Ramsey show one night that talked about financial infidelity. I was guilty of it. Now, I let my wife know about every transaction that I do and give her full access to my accounts (which are password protected). I want her to know that I am serious about this.
She was a great help to me when I gave her the printout for my bank accounts (we keep separate accounts). She combed through those and came up with ways that I am wasting money. It would be $1.25 here, $2.45 there, but it was adding up. Here are a few things that I have done that you may find helpful:
1. Make a budget - I am a firm believer of telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went. I have had to make a few minor adjustments as I go, but they are always with my wife's watchful eye. Any money that I get from selling things (like DVDs, tools, TV) have gone toward the debt.
2. DON'T EAT OUT SO MUCH!!!- I now have a $25 budget allotment for eating out, and when it is gone, it is gone. I used mine this month for an all-you-can-eat sushi dinner (well worth it). I take my lunch to work every day (which is seven days a week) and spend as much in a week as some of my co-workers spend on one meal.
3. Cook more at home - This works hand in hand with number 2, but I will fix some cheap ramen noodle dishes, beans, etc. and will take the leftovers to work. I also cook my breakfast each morning, be it oatmeal, biscuits (from scratch), or a breakfast burrito.
I will pick back up with the blog and the 100 ways to save money series, I just needed a break to get my stuff more together.
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