Christmas: did I stick to my budget?

Christmas has come and gone. And now, most Americans are looking at their bank accounts wondering how they managed to over spend again. I decided to take a look at my spending and compare it to my set budget and was quite surprised. My budget was $300.00

After tallying all of my receipts, I spent a total of $312.00 for Christmas. I bought gifts for 15 people and was quite proud of my gifts.

One way I tried to stick to my budget was by buying Dollar Tree toys for my nieces and nephews (all ages five and under). They were so excited about their toys! It's proof that you don't have to spend $20.00 on a toy for children. The younger they are, the less complicated toy buying should be.

I also looked for inexpensive perishable items that many people enjoy but aren't expensive (i.e. peanuts). For my Mom, Aunt, and soon-to-be grandmother-in-law, I bought inexpensive flowers from the supermarket. I was surprised at how much they loved the flowers!

Finally, I graciously told my extended family and friends there was no need to exchange gifts. They're love and friendship was a gift in and of itself. (Well, at least that's what I hope they understood).

Overall, I enjoyed Christmas shopping this year. I purchased all but two of the gifts on the day before Christmas Eve (surprisingly, the stores were not insanely crowded). I thought of innovative ways to wrap the gifts (I wrapped most of the gifts in colored tissue paper tied with a bow). And I didn't stress by trying to find the perfect gift! I bought things that I thought each recipient needed or would enjoy. Most importantly, I learned that you can stick to a budget at Christmas!

Even though I overspent by a slight margin, I'm happy that I set a budget and was able to come very, very close to sticking to it.

Were you able to stick to your Christmas budget?

I LOVE paying off debt!

Hi to all of my uber fab readers out there! I know I haven't been posting like I want (i.e. 3-5 times a week). Life has gotten so busy for me! Not only have the usual end-of-the-year rush at work and the holiday hustle and bustle started, but I'm actually beginning to plan my wedding!

But, to not lose sight of our focus, I have an update on my debt snowball progress: As of Monday, I paid off TWO MORE cards! Woohoo!!! Y'all, it's like I can't wait to get paid because I get EXCITED about paying off my credit cards! You know why?!?!? Because once they are paid off, I can use my money for whatever I want. And you know what I want! Yep, that's right. A FAT bank account. AND I don't have that chain around my neck! It's like being an independent woman! ***all my ladies, independent***

Anyhoo... I will update my networth info later. I'm a few days off from a month from when I updated it last. From now on, I want to update after I've paid my bills and the payments have posted for my credit cards. I guess I should do it on the last day of the month before payday then, huh?

Well, next up, I'll keep you posted on my wedding budget (and woes), Christmas shopping, and job search updates.

Oh, just in case you wanted to know, my favorite word for the day is Fiance'! LOL!

Weekend Spending

My money leaks on the weekends. Here's a recap of this weekend's spending:

$22.00 (mini mani/pedi)
$17.00 (Hair appointment)
$25.00 (wedding gift)
$18.00 (Mac&Cheese ingredients)
$14.00 (Car wash)
$4.00 (Chick-fil-a) (unexpected trip to WS)
$22.00 (gas)
$30.00 (gas) (had to refill my hunk's car when I drove it to WS)
$2.00 (canned food)
Total: $152.00

*Shaking my head*

Weekend Recap
I went to a "free" party. Free is in quotes because I had to bring two canned goods. Sadly, I didn't have two canned goods in my pantry but had to buy two from the store. I guess I really like fresh (or frozen) food. At the party, I refused to pay $10.00 for a drink so asked for sprite and cranberry instead. Apparently soda is free at the bar. I like free.

I also attended my co-worker's wedding. Of course I had to look fab for the event! The wedding accounts for the mani/pedi and wedding gift. Oddly enough, I didn't have my hair appointment until the next day. Don't ask...

This weekend was also my uncle's 72nd birthday! Hence the $18.00 mac and cheese. I've been making homemade mac&cheese for about 10 years now. My family DEMANDS that I make it and bake TWO 8x10 pans. Now they've upped the request to three! I need them to know that cheese ain't cheap!

I got my car washed this weekend because me and Allie (my car) are sticking it out for the long haul and I thought it only fair that she get some pampering, too. Besides, my backseat was beginning to look like a closet. Clean car = happy me!

January is a looong month.

As a state employee, I get paid once a month on the last work day of the month. It has its pros and cons. But in December, I've traditionally gotten my paycheck early (i.e. before Christmas). This makes for an easy month in December, but a very, very long January. Basically, I go for six weeks without a paycheck!

This year, the Legislature made some changes and state employees were no longer going to get an early paycheck in December. I guess there was a lot of outrage, because we just got a letter saying we're getting paid early. Boo!

I'm really going to have to budget well in December or those last few weeks of January are going to drag on and on and on (which means I might overspend or not meet my goals). I'm going to plan out my December and January expenses to make sure I don't wind up with $0.00 on January 15th.

January is an expensive month because I'm just wrapping up buying Christmas gifts and I have to turn right around and buy birthday presents for my mom, sister-in-law, niece, and nephew! Looks like I'll be putting in some extra time at the part-time job!