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I keep running out of money!

October 23rd, 2010 at 03:55 pm

I get paid and spend that money until the next check arrives. Lately, about every two or three months I have been running out of money before the next check arrives. I mean really running out of money, negative checking balance with no savings.

A motorcycle breakdown out of town wiped me out this time. I had to pay rent 20 days late keep everything from bouncing. I will be close to broke again when my next pay check arrives. At least I think I will. That is part of the problem. I haven't been paying attention to my finances.

I have had the YNAB, You Need A Budget software for years. Every time there is a new version I buy it, but I have never used it. It's time I get started. I will use it to develop a budget and set some goals. Then I will make a doable plan to reach the goals.

Well, I already know that my big goal is to move across the country to California. I want to attend a Non Violent Communication Program there. There are are lot of steps in between where I am now and being able to do that.

I am thinking about doing a hardcore version of Dave Ramsey's Bean and Rice Diet until the end of the year. Wasteful spending on drive thrus seems to about the only place I will have much leverage in my budget.

I have about decided to do it. I am only afraid I am taking on a challenge too big to start with and that I am setting myself up for failure. I will think about it today and if I commit to it, I'll start tomorrow.

7 Responses to “I keep running out of money! ”

  1. jeffrey Says:
    1287847067

    Welcome -- half of the process is seriously committing. Just remember to not try to do everything all at once and burn out. getting finances in order is not something that can be done overnight, but a change in lifestyle and the way you think about money that will take years. Set out your plan and make small steps on a weekly basis and slowly but surely, you'll get to where you want to be.

  2. scottish girl Says:
    1287849310

    Hi! Welcome to SA Smile I tracked my spending for a couple of months and seen where I was wasting money: impulsive buys; it's a real eye-opener. I agree with Jeffrey, make small steps at first Smile I look forward to reading your blog Smile

  3. NJDebbie Says:
    1287859881

    Welcome! I look forward to reading your blogs.

  4. Ima saver Says:
    1287861277

    Welcome, glad you have joined us!

  5. Tightwad Kitty Says:
    1287884801

    Welcome to SA Start by tracking where you are spending your money and work out when and how much your bills are costing you over a year, notes dates due. Plan to put this money aside to have it ready when each bill due.

    Welcome to SA. Start by tracking where you are spending your money and work out when and how much your bills are costing you over a year, and note dates due make a calendar for this. Plan to put this money aside to have it ready when each bill due. Allow for motorcycle repairs in the away of a float that must be paid back if use.

    Look for the best way to do this. I work with floats as some bills I never need from year to the next but the money is there if it’s needed. Starting with $1000 in floats I put total amount of bills plus extra 10% each pay away for just bills then just pay them all when due.

    I have been doing this for many years now.

    Then if any money is over above the amount needed at the start of the next year it goes into savings or special projects after I taken out my floats for the following year.

  6. Homebody Says:
    1287893212

    Welcome. I am fascinated and hope you continue to post your progress.

  7. Tortoise Says:
    1287934722

    Thanks for the welcomes and advice.

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