fighting temptations
I was trying to be proactive and take advantage of as many things as I can over the weekend. I finally got my purse and wallet straightened out. Then I checked on my bills, which was good, because although I took care of all existing charges last week, there was an automatic charge for my EZPass on my AMEX that I had to pay, which I did. I reconciled my check register balance with my receipts. Then the easy part was over.
My priorities started fighting with each other. I have to get the engine light fixed on my car before I get it inspected next month, and I want to make sure that I have the money to pay for it without using a credit card. My car insurance premium is also due next month, and I am considering paying the entire balance instead of splitting it up over the next six months. Since I know there’s a chance I won’t be working, this is a way to get my future monthly expenses lowered. In addition, I have to chip in on the household expenses for the month and next month’s rent. But the goals that meant the most to me emotionally were contributing to my IRA and to my My Own Home fund. Oh yeah, and getting holiday gifts and affording holiday road trips.
After some consideration, I decided to take care of household and car expenses on my next paycheck because of the limited amount of money I had to work with this week. I’m still undecided about my car insurance premium. I will have the opportunity to pay it in full for at least the next several weeks either way, so I didn’t put a high priority on making my decision right now. That left two priorities, my IRA and my savings. I made the minimum allowable contribution to the IRA and then after leaving myself $100.00 for random day-to-day expenses in my checking account, I deposited the remainder in the My Own Home fund. But I know I left some plans undone, so I’ll have to make some difficult decisions with my next check, even though my bills are paid through the middle of next month.
