Financial Challenges Support Group
This community is for people who are struggling to meet financial obligations of any kind. Financial challenges include everything from the day-to-day challenges of making ends meet to managing credit card debt to bankruptcy. Get support from others who are going through similar obstacles on the road back to financial stability.
September 12, 2014 was the last time I had a full paycheck. I get paid every other week and while I have worked since that date I have not had a full 80 hour paycheck - that is until today.
I have automatic deposit, so I walked to the bank with a withdrawal slip to get some cash... then I walked a couple of more blocks to another bank to put that money in savings. What a natural high I had from handing money over to start rebuilding my emergency funds.
I am bound and determined to get back the money I used on healthcare just as fast as possible. One of the better things that has happened with my health scare was learning even more ways to tighten the belt.
Today I put 35% of my paycheck into savings. The rest will be used to pay rent on the first, utility bill and a few groceries and I should have some cash left over in two weeks.
Yes, making money is fun... but walking into a bank to deposit money for a rainy day is a feeling that can't be beat...
I have automatic deposit, so I walked to the bank with a withdrawal slip to get some cash... then I walked a couple of more blocks to another bank to put that money in savings. What a natural high I had from handing money over to start rebuilding my emergency funds.
I am bound and determined to get back the money I used on healthcare just as fast as possible. One of the better things that has happened with my health scare was learning even more ways to tighten the belt.
Today I put 35% of my paycheck into savings. The rest will be used to pay rent on the first, utility bill and a few groceries and I should have some cash left over in two weeks.
Yes, making money is fun... but walking into a bank to deposit money for a rainy day is a feeling that can't be beat...
The weather here in Northern Ireland is, once again, mild. Of course that means rain, but thank the Lord we no longer have to deal with the BS frost. Tomorrow morning I will get a Taxi to Toome Bypass to get a Bus from Derry to Belfast City Airport and fly to Aberdeen this Weekend for Burns Night. I don't think I'll be able to see the ones I know there this weekend, but I will look around and hopefully enjoy myself.
Today I got new AAA batteries for my camera. Normally I leave my camera dormant for so long the batteries wear out through ignorance. Need to use the camera more often to get the most out of my batteries. Again, part of my underearning disease.
Also I have applied for another job. I'll find out next week if I get an interview. *Fingers Crossed*
These are the miracles of recovery.
I've always been pretty reliable with keep it cool and turning the lights off when I'm not in a room, but this month I really watched everything closer.
So happy with it that I already paid it. I doubt I can get it much lower then that but I will keep trying. If I can keep it in the $50-$75 range I will be a very happy man.
Next payday is in two weeks and I have $240 till then, or $120 a week, or a little over $17 a day. I should make it. Next Friday I'll take out $50 for savings, so that means three days of spending no money.
Today is Sunday, I rarely spend any money on Sunday. Same with Monday... so just one other day, which will probably be Friday...
My goal has always been to have zero dollars showing in my checking account the day before I get paid. There is money hidden in it for emergencies but the spendable money I want to use every penny of it. To me, it shows my budget is working.
Right now with $240 in it, I feel uncomfortable because it is more money then I need. Bills for January are paid in full. And a couple for February are paid too. Rent, cell phone, a CC bill, and car insurance, as well as saving at least 25% of both my paychecks are left with two paydays in February.
So tonight I sent $100 to my on-line savings account. Now I have $140 for two weeks less the $50 I write off every Friday. So for two weeks I have $90 to spend. Some groceries and a little gas for my car to get to a doctor's appointment and by February 6th, my checking account should say zero with payday money going in.
Like I've said, last year with my health issues and stretching every penny I am amazed now how far I can stretch money...
Here is a journal I wrote a few years back. Since then I have gotten a few CC's but I have never paid a penny of interest on them. For me, it was just a matter of putting money and possessions in their proper place...
http://www.dailystrength.org/people/540422/journal/2201418