So Sharon and JpKittie are doing a August Spend Less Month. They both have nicely categorized and alloted their money to its appropriate places (love Sharon’s jars).
I am pretty much jumping on the same boat with this wicked 18 week goal of mine (see sidebar, new coin jar tracking my progress). But, I have not categorized or allotted anything. I am only aware of how much needs to paid each week. And aware that my family cannot eat out anymore, must penny pinch, and can’t want or envy for 18 weeks.
I wanted to step it up and categorize funds where necessary like these wonderful gals did. So, I decided to utilize my Wells Fargo’s Spending Report.
Holy Moly!
If you haven’t tried this tool (or something like it – Mint.com comes to mind), it will open your eyes!
Ashamed to admit, but here is the monthly averages on particular categories:
- Gas: $378 – That’s not the holy moly. That amount is okay because I drive to/from work alot
- Groceries: $800! – Holy Moly! $200 a week | $26 a day for a family of four.
- Restaurants: $416! – Holy Moly!
I didn’t realize we spent so much at the grocery store/Costco. Although, to me $200 a week for the 4 of us is not terrible (especially now that I am packing my lunches) But when you add up (3 +2 +5 =… counting with fingers) groceries + restaurants, that’s…
$1200 A MONTH ALONE ON FOOD!!!!!!
Restaurants, a main culprit in missing money. And I was right! Since we are not eating out for 18 weeks, this will save us approx. $1800. Cool beans!
But, minus regular CC payments…minus Not Eating out funds…we will still be short $85 a week in meeting our goal (it’s so much easier to see a goal when its broken down into baby steps).
How to fix? I assume we are going to have to cut back on our grocery shopping. I can also analyze other spots, too.
It’s definitely an eye opener. Have you analyzed your finances lately?
I LOVE the name April! 🙂
LOL. Sorry. I was thinking about your comment on April’s site when I wrote this post. :p
All I can say is “SWEET!” Stick to it chicky!!!! It will take you far 🙂
You’re going to go far, too. August is going to be so much fun! lol.
no, i haven’t analyzed my finances in a minute. i gotta tell you, there’s a part of me that misses the budget crunching days. the days where i had to find extra money, cut this, reduce that, a never ending battle between me and my budget. my personal finances are a little boring right now. yep, there’s much to be thankful for, but boring nonetheless. things will become more exciting when the transition is over.
You need to continue speaking more on your transition. It is exciting. I am excited for you. And it wasn’t luck… but your hard work that is getting you what you want.
Number crunching may be exciting… but your lack for doing it gives you the energy to focus on growth. Now, that can take you far! Reach for the sky! (That’s a Toy Story line, huh?) 😉
Hey, I love the name April too!! 🙂
I am reading this on a bright and early Saturday morning and thinking “Holy Moly, do I have enough FORTITUDE to analyze my finances??!!”
LOL. I just came from your blog when I wrote this post. I still had you on the brain. 🙂
I’ll tell ya… I like research and numbers… but I think as a norm most people just don’t want to do it. Even with those programs with fancy bells and whistles.
I know for me, the only reason I really analyzed was because we have this big goal infront of us and we had to find some extra money. I know we make enough… but where does it all go. LOL.