I have decided to post my weekly spending for the previous week on Fridays so you know how my cash has been flowing for the week. Please note that I get paid on the last day of the month so my cash flow net effect will usually be negative until the last day of the month.
This does not mean that I am adding to my debt, it just means that the money coming in is less than the money going out because bills are due starting on the first but I don’t get paid until the last day.
So again to clarify (since I get so many questions), this shows the cash FLOW for the month. On Day 2 of every month I will have a negative FLOW because I have paid rent etc so money has LEFT my checking account. I have not had any money come in on Day 2 of the current month since I got paid on day 27 or 30 or 31 of the previous month so that income is counted for LAST month.
Income for the month to date: $466.10
Expenses for the month to date: $1586.01
Net effect: -$1119.91
Since the last posting I spent $60.98 on two books for my classes, even though we had been told that no books were needed for the course. I am simply taking that money out of the miscellaneous fund because it was obviously not accounted for in my regular budget. Filled up the gas tank to the tune of $20.02 because I went out to celebrate a birthday with my best friend…we also had dinner at my favorite place but I am not including the amount here because that came out of the splurge fund.
I spent $64.07 getting my tires rotated and getting the inspection sticker for my car for the upcoming year. My oil change was ‘free’ since I have lifetime free oil changes from the dealer as long as I come in on their schedule. The dealership is close to my friend’s house so I schedule a visit when my oil change is due and kill two birds with one stone.
Income for the week was $6.47 from Lending Club and $1.77 from Prosper. I only have $33.08 left in Prosper and will not be adding any more funds once the entire loans are paid off. I will continue investing in Lending Club as I can but will only make the minimum loan of $25 per individual.
We go back to work next week but I have about three quarters of a tank of gas left so I am not worried about spending on that before the month ends. I will be going grocery shopping this weekend to restock my fruits and to get some things to make lunches for work in the upcoming days so that should round out the grocery budget for the month.
I will see you guys and gals later as I continue my journey to save money and become debt free!!!!
I like your site and your idea of posting your finances. Ouch! I am in the same boat as you. hahaha Funny but true. Have to find more ways to make money, earn money, or even save money. Thanks!
I love the fact that you keep such a detailed and very close eye on your spending. Great work.
Good luck, it sounds like you’re living on a very tight budget!
Actually I used to be on a very tight budget but I am now freer with what I use my money for. Just being free of credit card debt has allowed me to have my splurge fund where I put money in and if I want to blow it on utterly useless stuff I can go ahead and not feel guilty.
There is wiggle room in my budget….I just like to track every penny.
Great post because I am right there with you. Was currently unemployed and late on every bill. Now I only have one bill to catch up with. But trying calling the people you owe money to if you are ever in a pinch because I called and let them know the situation. I offered a fair deal and a lot of them took off some late fees. Good luck tracking.