3.18.2011

That green paper sure does go fast!

Today I got my monthly letter from the bank, showing my deposits, deductions and balance.
To say the least, I was blown away at how much money I spent in the past month. I thought I was going to be sick!

Now, while I feel guilty, I do have some good excuses, including my passport, which was over $100, along with plane tickets for my mission trip which were over $300 as well. But still, there was definitely a good chunk 'o change that I could have saved if I had been wiser with my money. 

Consequently, I created a budget for myself with the help of a book my Dad bought me when I was younger. It had a basic plan for creating a budget as follows:

Tithing 10%
Spending 25%
Long Term Savings 10%
Short Term Savings 25%
Taxes 5%
Expenses 25%

I took taxes, expenses, along with both saving categories and combined them, considering I don't really worry too much about taxes, nor do I really have any "expenses" (yet). 

Hopefully this plan I've devised will be beneficial and allow me to spend less and save more!

Here's my challenge to you: Are you wise about your spending/saving habits? Are you frugal or do you blow your money 'like nobody's business'? I've heard before that you can tell a lot about a person simply by what they spend their money on. What does your spending habit/purchases show about you?
 
"Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Matthew 6:21

"The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty."
Proverbs 21:5

2 comments:

  1. I am in Personal Finance now, and so it has made me very money-conscious. I spend most all of my money on gifts or future gifts for others--I always feel guilty spending on myself, but for others? I can't get enough! SO, I need to learn to even manage what I buy for others, and think of ways to save, even while I give; like buying cards in bulk or making them myself, instead of blowing a bunch on just one.

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  2. Oh really? I never took Personal Finance, but I'm glad to hear that it's helped you! That's awesome.. I'm glad your spending habits are more about others rather than yourself. Who knew though that you could get out of hand with giving hahaha. I never really thought about it... I'll be praying for your spending habits. :)
    Yeah, I always try to buy sale items or I find the unit price - thank you Consumer Math! - to save money.. even if it's a few pennies. :)

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