#1 - Turns out I really don't spend as much money as I thought I did.
#2 - I really don't make very much money.
I was hoping to save about $700. Right now, I'm up to about $550, but the car payment, phone and 2 credit cards still need to be paid this month, which all add up to about $150 more than I'll be getting with next weeks' paychecks. I'll have a $50 copay for an ultrasound that I need tomorrow, as well.
I'll have a definite number next Wednesday, but projections are hovering around $400. I never spend myself into zeros - so I spend about $200 a month shopping, eating, crafting. . . etc.
I'm a bit discouraged. My two goals won't be met. . . barely one. I'm hoping instead of the full $586 to go on my Target card, I can pay it off as much as $400. Hopefully.
The point of this experiment was to get my spending under control , save money, and prove to myself that I can do better with a bit of discipline.
But that's just not what's happening.
Thing is - I don't buy $325 shoes or $100 purses. I buy $5 skeins of yarn and $1 sheets of paper.
Spending less is not going to be the cure-all solution to my money problems. I have to try something else.
Maybe a third job? Playing the lottery? Finally taking a friend up on appearing half nudie on his pay site? Putting more on etsy and hoping to get some bites? We'll have to see.
I'm very discouraged, and annoyed with having to face the decision between having a career that I love vs. a job that will financially sustain me. I went to school. Almost three years later, I work hard - often to the edge of burn out - but I'm not moving forward. Frustrating to tears, all of it.
1 more week, and I won't feel so guilty about going to AC Moore or Michaels. I think my next challenge will be craft-oriented, and much less depressing.
Despite the results, I'm glad I have a clear understanding on what I need to change. I come down hard on myself, but I'm glad to see that I've been tougher on myself than I should have. :)
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