Well, now that I've started posting on this thing again - maybe I should use it to keep myself in line! Life is crazy at the moment with all the goals I have up the air, trying to figure out where I want to go in terms of the dating arena and trying to save money while not freaking out about the whole state budget thing.
In terms of the state budget thing, basically schools in Illinois really shouldn't be counting on any state funding for awhile and that means that budgets will be affected resulting in the possibility of posistions being cut all around. I'm a teacher that teaches an elective so I am taking all possibilities into account for next year. One of which is the possibility that I may be out of a job (desperately hoping not though!). So, as a result I am working on getting my finances in order and working to get my monthly expenses down as much as possible. Now there are some of those basic expenses that you get locked into a contract for or can't live without like phone, electirc, water etc. But in my case, I could spend less on the fun things and food.
I never realized exactly how many e-mails I got in regards to advertisements! It's ridiculous! Now I only notice them because I delete them without even reading them after deciding to have a goal to limit my impulse shopping as much as possible. It is a work in progress as I do have my weaknesses, but can proudly admit I can walk into JoAnn's and walk out without buying anything! I have also gotten better at more comparison shopping and building what I need for cheaper. I do still need to stay away from the previously-viewed section at Blockbuster and try to avoid Amazon more - but like I said, work in progress here!
Food is a bit harder these days with being on Jenny Craig and all, but I have a new goal for the month of February in terms of my grocery budget! As of tonight at midnight, for the next 28 days, I am going to limit myself to one trip to the grocery store a week and one to Jenny Craig with spending as little as I can - sticking to the budget I have and using what is "cluttering up" my pantry and freezer. Eating out is going to be limited to once a week if at all possible (not that I really eat out anymore, but I do want to be conscious of what I am doing). I'll purchase dairy, fresh produce and fresh meat, but that's it. Oh and two cans of cream of mushroom soup that I know I need later in the month, but that's it!
I need to learn to be better about my budget and put thought behind what I spend. A lot of this is coming more to the top of the thought process in part due to the state budget thing, but also because I simply want to be less tied to the amount of my paycheck every month when there are people out there that have to get by with far less than what I am blessed to have each month.
Oh and that thing called dating gets expensive! Oh and maybe once I get my budget figured out, I can help the state of Illinois figure theirs out - ok that might be a bit too much to hope for!Sheesh!
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