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.