Comments on: The budgeting game

By: coraspartan

coraspartan — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:53:40 +0000

I’m being laid off at the end of this month, so we are really trying to find ways to cut every extra expense out of our budget. For the time being (at least until I find something new or get my business up and running) we are going to defer my student loan payments and stop contributing to my son’s college savings fund. We are canceling our cable and home phone and have begun unplugging things like our extra fridge, our backyard fountain and doing little things like shutting the computer off every night.

On the grocery front, I have to stop buying so much! Our pantry is jam packed. I went shopping last night and realized I had nowhere to put the groceries I just bought. I play the Grocery Game though so I try to buy things when they’re on sale. I’m not sure how that’s going to play out when I’m laid off.

I can already see how I too will spend more money on socializing (i.e. lunch with a friend) so that I don’t go crazy sitting around the house alone all day, but hopefully we can squeeze by. Only time will tell.

By: couchSpud

couchSpud — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 21:22:05 +0000

I fall prey to the “being social” expenses too. I guess I figure that as long as I buy most of my clothes on sale it’s okay. It’s hard, because budgets are so relative, don’t you think?

By: dsf

dsf — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 13:50:41 +0000

If you're looking for a cost-effective place to eat, try Yatz http://www.yatscajuncreole.com/ One can get dinner and a drink for around $6.

By: Sandy Miller

Sandy Miller — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 00:52:06 +0000

I have been working as a stay at home mom for quite some time now. The temptation to overspend on food and overeat is much more pronounced when I don’t sleep as much as I need to; I think this is the key!

When I’m rested, I become absorbed in my work until the kids come home from school and my hubbie comes home from work. I don’t really have time to eat like I used to!

Lately I’ve been chomping down on a lot more fruits and vegetables and it helps me stay energized throughout the day.

By: PastaQueen

PastaQueen — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 15:35:11 +0000

@Nancy – Ha! No, the headache is still here and it probably always will.

By: RG

RG — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 14:03:52 +0000

That’s funny, I’ve been learning how to do the reverse – spend more money on food so I eat better. Having variety in vegetables and fruits makes me more likely to eat them. Spending more money on easy-to-eat items (picked up sf hazelnut coffee syrup from starbucks yesterday) like soups and greek yogurt and fish.

By: Denise

Denise — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 10:40:54 +0000

I read your book while on vacation this summer and now I’m catching up on your blog. I live in Canada and can’t imagine being in debt for a surgery. I had my gall bladder removed about 6 years ago and it did not cost me one red cent. Contrary to popular belief I did not have to sit on a waiting list for months to get my surgery either. I hope the US gets some form of health care reform soon. I think it’s criminal that corporations profit from peoples’ sickness and misfortune.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 20:59:24 +0000

Hopping over via Jolene at Healthy Discoveries.

Liking the site!

By: Daisy

Daisy — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:14:28 +0000

Recording every purchase in a budget can be pretty confronting. I came to the realisation I spend a lot of money at the pharmacy. I love perfumes, eyeshadows and lipsticks (among other things). So I have to make a choice; stop spending so much on beauty products or stop recording my purchases, lol!

By: Healthy Diet Weight Loss

Healthy Diet Weight Loss — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 10:33:27 +0000

I think thinking about our budget and really writing down what we spend where is something many of us should do, but don’t. That’s how we end up overspending and getting into debt. I love that you are being so honest! You seem to be on the right track.