Well - I haven't been around for a bit over a week. We have had so much going on it has been a disaster to the budget. Starting Wednesday the 24th... Here is what happened
Wednesday, June 24th - drove with dd to my dads house 2 hours away. spent the night over at his place, went to zoo the following day ~ spent $20 at zoo --- gas $30 --- didn't think I did too bad, but that little overnight cost me $50. We were picking up my cousin who wanted to come spend a week with us (my other aunt had been at her house visiting 6 hrs away, so she brought her back with her)
Friday, June 26th - went to our little beach - spent $6 to get cousin in...
Saturday - Monday ~ We had our plan to go to my MILs for a short little vaca... We ended up going to an amusement park ($200 later *eek! we also had my niece! so 5 going to a park) Then on Monday - we went to a waterpark ($50 later!)
So we are up to $306!!! Ahhhh -- this is horrible!
Tuesday we were driving to my Grandmothers house (which is an hour from my cousin's house) --- $25 in tolls - $35 in gas --- so that is $60 there.... took my grandmother to dinner - $50 ---- $110!!!!
Wednesday - a children's amusement park - $95 (forgot sunscreen $20 - couldn't pack lunch $20 --- see where I am going here?!?!) So $135 for that day...
Thursday - outlet shopping... need I say more?
Needless to say - I am definately ready to be back on my normal budget. This was horrible!!! Worst part - now have $500 added to a credit card....
This is just a hiccup, right... just jump back in the game, right?!?!?!
Off to go read & catch up on my favorite blogs!!!
I WAS ALMOST NORMAL . . .
2 weeks ago
6 comments:
Vacations definitely can get you. Even the smaller ones. All those 'a bit here and a bit there' add up so fast and before you know it, the money is long gone. Still it sounds like you had some great times. Lots of family bonding. I need to do that myself. Find a balance between saving and giving my kids some decent summer experiences.
Ah, this sounds so much like me...you were visiting family and enjoying yourself...sometimes that means leaving the budget at home...Now that you are home you are back in the game again...Just try and think of how much fun you had, not what it cost!
I hate months that like! Maybe it would be a good idea to re-read your favorite finance book for inspiration and a kick in the pants. :)
Thank you so much ladies!!! It is so nice that I am not the only one that has problems like that. We truly had an amazing week. And you are all right - I shouldn't sit here & dwell on how much $ I has spent - just work on getting myself back on track. I did take everything out of my wallet & now I only have my $40 for the week & that will be that! Wish me luck this week!
Finding the balance in having fun and the budget--that is our constant struggle. It seems so much harder in the summer. Jump back in!
RTC said it perfectly and I couldn't agree more.
Personally, I think it's okay to "take a break" from the rigid budget but you have to plan for it. I give myself an "increase" in blow money during the summer months. I definitely echo the statement that balance is key.
Lastly, I truly believe in putting up the ccs while you're trying to get out of debt. In my experience, it was hardly ever a good thing to have them on me. I convinced myself by saying "I may need it for an emergency" but you know what ... I NEVER used it for an emergency. My emergencies were dinner out, a new shirt, reservations to this concert, etc.
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