Getting the Monkey off my back
So, in the Fall, I took a new job with a nice increase in salary in the hopes of finally seeing some light at the end of the tunnel toward getting our butts out of debt. Less than a month later my house was struck by lightning.
Here we are today at the end of the 9 month process of rebuilding and moving back in and now I wonder where to begin.
I've been listening to Dave Ramsey and reading his book Total Money Makeover. I want to get out of debt, but I find that when it comes to making day to day decisions, I screw things up. I grab lunch with a friend which puts me over my spending limit in that budget category for the month. I guess what I'm seeing is that I want to be out of debt, but my actions are indicating that I'd rather stay in debt.
I'm considering taking on an additional job. My fear is that I'll just spend that money on other toys and not use it to reduce my debt load. With the move into the house, I've got a lot of wants. A new TV, an amplifier and speakers for surround sound, computer gear, game consoles... the list goes on. Not to mention a motorcycle and/or car.
I find that I am basically undisciplined. I want what I want and I want it as soon as I can figure out a way to get it. Shondra seems to be basically the same. Neither of us are good at planning out our spending.
When I used to complain about something I needed to do, but didn't want to do, my mom, in all her caring empathy, used to tell me, "Just shut up and do it." Guess it's time to take that advice.
posted by Boringo @ 11:14 AM
4 Comments
4 Comments:
I love your mom!
It is SO hard to change how you spend. I would say it's almost harder than quitting smoking. Almost :)
We struggle with the same things. We tend to nickle & dime ourselves to death.
Grocery shopping with the kids? I should be packing a lunch for us so we don't waste money on fast food but do I? Almost never, the call of the french fry is powerful.
I'll pray for you.
Hugs,
laner
I hear you. It is so hard sticking to a budget. Guess I am not alone.
But in my Mom voice: Shut up and do it!
So been there. Still there, actually, but improving. Getting out of debt can sometimes be a "two forward, one back" proposition. As hard as it may be for a self-proclaimed "reluctant Christian" you can go to the AFR website (AAAAARGHHH!) and search for "Crown Money Map" or google it up. Good stuff there if you can get yourself to use it. That's the hardest part.
Boy oh boy, I understand this one. I am trying to get out of debt also. A problem I am having is the mindset change you speak of. In my mind I feel like I have the money to spend, when in reality I do not. Life is fun.
Maybe I am a child.
Hope all is well.
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