slipping
I noticed that since I’ve been eating out a lot lately, I’ve not been putting all of my receipts where they belong. I have this little pocket in my wallet, and I’m supposed to put my receipts in there while I’m standing at the register. That way, I can keep track of the changes to my balance without depending on my bank. Except lately, only some of my receipts are finding their way into that little pocket. And I’m depending more and more on my online statements from the credit union to remember what I spent, where, and when. Not cool. I don’t like taking their word for it. I don’t like not having my own record to compare with theirs. As I do better financially, I guess that my fear of overdrawing an account is getting lower, and since that was the main reason I started being so meticulous with my check register in the first place, I guess that’s why my record keeping is slipping. That, plus, life is short. I’m doing other stuff. Balancing my check register is never the highlight of my day. I know I would be more comfortable if I just kept the records like I used to do. But I don’t feel like it. What to do, what to do?
Dont eat out. I dont. I cant justify the expense of eating out anymore. Especially in this economy. I do one grocery shop per week and at the moment we dont eat out. I think the answer for you would be to plan more and maybe go to the supermarket. I know that eating out is probably cheaper in the us but over here we cant really get a sit down mean out for under £40 - £50 - so i cant justify that.
Claire, I go back and forth with being responsible and actually getting groceries - that’s the only reason that I’ve been eating out lately. *Sigh.*
Comment by Claire — October 24, 2008 @ 2:47 pm
It does get harder to keep up something so meticulous, but I’ve found that as soon as I think something is wrong on the banks end my drive for it picks up again. Good luck on your hustle
Comment by christian — October 26, 2008 @ 3:57 pm
Sistah I know its tough. The other thing you could do and I do this myself it really works is to work on a cash only basis. At the start of the week I get out a certain amount of cash to last me the week this is for groceries and pocket money etc. Work out what your budget is and get the cash out. Spend only the cash and that way you can keep a track of your finances and actually end up spending less money. It works when you have to hand over cash it makes you think twice about the amount of money you spend.
Comment by Claire — October 27, 2008 @ 5:09 am