START AGAIN

So, here goes . . . I decided to start this up on my first day of the new job, but have not had time to formally update. Here we go.

Monday, January 25:
Today I spent . . . zero dollars. First day on the new job = bagels brought in. So I had one for lunch. Parking was free, and then I took the bus home because of the snow. Left my car there overnight rather than risk a fender bender on the horrible streets. Came home and prepared a meal with GROCERIES. WIN!

Tuesday, January 26:
Again spent nothing during the day. But then went out for dinner ($12) and to a cheap movie ($4). Not too bad.

Wednesday, January 27:
Took out $20 from the ATM at work. Because it was an ATM, had fees. Which sucks. But my plan is to take out $20 a week for lunch. The cafeterias can be pretty cheap if you play it right. In future weeks, I will get this money out ahead of time. Just spent $3 on a chai. Needed to get some internet-based stuff done and our internet at home is being a dick. Also paid part of my car insurance payment. Did it on my credit card, but will pay rest off with tax return once it comes, then use remainder of return on credit bills. GET 'R DONE.

Returning to the Challenge

Some recent changes in my life have prompted me to start this lil' old blog up again. I'm not broke, but need to make some changes. Don't ever think I'm saying I'm broke. Rather, I want to put myself in a position where I am less likely to become broke.

I had finally gotten to a point where I was slightly more than comfortable. My income was greater than my monthly bills and I had room to spend. So I would spend. I stopped keeping track of what I was spending, and while I never overspent necessarily, I didn't save.

Now, my career situation has changed and I won't be as comfortable. I don't want to rely on credit cards again and I don't want to sacrifice contributions to my retirement account so that I can make monthly expenses. I've taken on a second job and am willing to fight the good fight.

My style is one of accountability and owning up. I don't hide my spending habits. I don't complain about being broke as an excuse not to do things. It's all open. Anyone can search a database to see my salary and I never pretend to make or less than I do. I don't buy a lot of extra "stuff" like I once did, but that doesn't mean I completely deny myself any pleasure out of life.

BUT.

There are some things I want better control and accountability over. Last time I did this blog, it helped. Sharing ALL my financial choices meant I had to back them up. If I felt defensive about something, it helped me evaluate WHY I was feeling that way and make changes. If I felt sick to my stomach writing about something, there was cause to reconsider.

So, here I go again.