Here are the goals that I want to accomplish this month. I've written them down so I can carry them around with me to help me keep focused.
1. To keep track of every dollar I spend. I would like to include hubby's spending as well, if I can.
2. To sell stuff at yard sale amounting to at least $100.
3. To add $100 to our EEE Account this month.
4. Add $195.27 to our Xmas Account.
5. Budget for DD2's Honour Dinner: $100 to include meal and gifts.
That's it. Just a few simple things that will keep us moving forward, even though I'm feeling like we are not making any progress at all.
I told hubby about how I was feeling with our debt situation, and he pointed out to me, the fact that we have paid off somewhere in the neighborhood of $30,000 to $40,000 worth of debt since we moved to this apartment. He also pointed out we are in a much better financial place than we were in 2008. As encouragement, he suggested that he will, for one month, not buy Tim Horton's coffee in the morning before work, but instead bring coffee brewed at home. His focus this month will be to beat down his overdraft into total submission. (FYI, that's $1000 dollars worth of debt folks!) The interest and charges on that pesky overdraft alone is costing us hundreds of dollars a year. I can't wait to kick that one to the curb as well.
I'm struggling with all our financial stuff right now, which is quite typical for me around contract renewal/payment time. I'm trying desperately to let go of some this burden (that I'm putting on myself, by the way) that is stressing me out to no end.
Let's hope May goes by quickly, and with few surprises.
Oh, Eboo, it's hard to feel like no traction is being made. It sounds as if your husband has just the right attitude to keep you going! Being aware and taking active steps to make it better is half the battle. Sometimes the steps are smaller than we would like, but at least they're steps in the right direction. I know I'm going to be thanking YOU come Christmas when I have $$ for gifts because of your very cool savings plan. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteSarah
I know you two have got this! I know that while sometimes you get bogged down in the amount you still have left, take May to really concentrate and be grateful for the progress you've made.
ReplyDeleteSometimes one needs a month to refocus on their goals and renew their passion to accomplishing them. Debt can be like that. Recognize you've started Debt Fatigue, so make May a gratitude month to shift your focus away for a while, so that in June you can return to your financial goals refreshed, rejuvenated, and revitalized!
You've got a fantastic support system in your man there. Let him take the reigns for 30 days and see what magic can happen!!
Aww... You're doing so awesome! I get feeling discouraged, i get like that too with areas of my life, but just keep your eyes on the prize! ;)
ReplyDeleteIt's very nice when Hubby is on board. It's easy to lose sight of the big picture because we can get so wrapped up in what happened this month. 30 to 40K is a lot of debt that has been paid. Give yourself a pat on the back.
ReplyDeleteI know how you feel April sometimes I get bogged down in debt hell and hubby and I always joke that we suffer from MODS syndrome (Massive Oppressive Debt Syndrome) but we are there for each other to remind ourselves of how much debt we have actually paid off which is like 30 - 40K and you start to feel pride in what you have accomplished and smile cause you guys have done great!!!
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