January Wrap Up

Well, the first month of my journey is ending. I have learned so much. I had no idea it would be so hard to be brutally honest. I thought I would be able to handle those not so nice comments. Let’s just say I am in the process of growing a thicker skin. I set some goals but did not meet them all. I did less spending which is always good. I learned some really great money saving tips. I have decided to cook more using the crockpot. I have been reading up on make ahead cooking. I learned pay to click is not a good idea for so many reasons.
Here are the good things I did in January:

• Started a Christmas account and a emergency fund account
• Cooked more, ate out less (only ate out twice)
• Found out what was one of my biggest money wasters (eating out)
• Did not have to pay any NSF or late fees
• Did not use credit cards (in the freezer)
• Went grocery shopping and shopped well (not over budget)
• Did not overspend on Tj’s birthday
• Returned stuff I bought in December but did not need (over $100!)
• Brought all credit cards to date
• made a realistic  list of goal ( immediate , short and long term)

 Miscellaneous purchases

• Shoes for girls $30
• batteries for Wii    $24.99 ( great deal, rechargable for sensor and controllers)
• renewed game pass at Hollywood Video $20.99
• Paid for kid’s lunches for the month $32.00
• Bought yearbook for Jazz $17
• Tj’s birthday under $100 (have to find exact figures)
• eating out $20.00

My oops list

• ate out twice
• got fee’s on library card $6.00

I actually made up a menu for this last week

• Tuesday: pork chops, steamed garlic potatoes, mixed vegetables
• Wednesday : pizza , garlic bread
• Thursday: chicken and dumplings, chocolate cake
• Friday: chili  and hotdogs
• Saturday: leftovers
• Sunday: ham, mac and cheese, greens, cornbread dressing, and sweet potatoes

So far I have been sticking to it and that is good. I am going to try to mix a few make ahead recipes in there for February. I actually am looking forward to February, I plan on really making a dent in our debt with our tax refund. I also want to really want to add more to our savings.

Related posts:

1. Wrap up
2. Wrap up