Yesterday I went into Manhattan to do my grocery shopping so I could use today to clean, air out my house, and exercise with Mamma.
After Caff came over and visited for a little while before saying goodbye (she and Bern road-trip back to Colorado today) I headed in to the Mall in Manhattan. I haven't been in a clothes store in a long time and I have $30 in my clothes envelope so I thought I'd drop in. Also I think shopping is kind of like eating -- if you savor it you are more satisfied by it then if you rush around, so I figured I would savor it.
Tried on a workout outfit in JCPenney and came so close to buying it (I was in line at the checkout) but decided against it. The pants fit well except they were too long but otherwise I really liked them. However, even 50% off they were $18 and I was thinking that was a bit steep for something I'd have to alter. If I can't forget about them then I'll go back sometime and see if they're still on sale, but otherwise I'm content with the capris I have. Also, I could not decide on the shirt because the one that matched fit rather dumpily (stretched out easily) and the polo shirt that I preferred was a slightly different yellow. So all-in-all, I thought, I'll save my money and think about it.
Yesterday I withdrew $345 from SMSB:
- $125 rent (joined the $375 in the rent envelope) > all set for May's rent
- $100 groceries
- $10 scents
- $50 gas
- $10 clothes
- $20 car
- $15 fru fru
Spent:
- $56.73 on groceries
And that's actually it. When I got home I spent $6.99 to rent a movie on Amazon (came out this year; that's why it was so expensive) but that is it for this week so far. OH! Not quite - spent XX (very little) at Ray's on flowers and lemon juice for Monnie. That is my own secret. ;)
Today I am planning to withdraw $35 for May's cigarettes, $1,000 to put in my Emergency Fund envelope (if SMSB lets me withdraw that much in one day).
That will leave about $515 in my savings account and $118 in my checking (enough for tithes on Sunday). Some other day I'll withdraw from savings -- $180 to put in my car envelope and $270 to put in my Christmas envelope (from my tax returns but I'd rather have it in cash). That means that general savings is only about $65. Helps put it in perspective.
This is a little surreal... having money. Although when you divvy it out you feel rather a pauper but later when you have it there, you feel like a king. Surreal... 'Nuff said. Have a fantastic day!
"Surreal." :) It's definitely like getting used to a new dimension when you use the envelope system!
ReplyDeleteAlso - YAYYYYY for having May's rent ready in advance!! Hopefully that will make your April 30 pay check feel better than usual, since you won't have to put the whole thing toward rent. :)
Most definitely! I think the craziest part is the complete lack of worry. That used to be a huge source of stress and panic for me, which translates into a certain angst and insecurity. It was very strange getting out of my car yesterday to walk into Froggy's and not wondering how I would pay for it, even though it was spur-of-the-moment. I *knew* I had the money with me and in CASH. There is an incredible peace to knowing you planned for it and have what it takes.
ReplyDeleteAnd in some cases, even if you didn't plan for it, you still have what it takes because you planned for the unexpected. :) Brilliant!
ReplyDeleteWow, Rose! That's awesome. I am so proud of my Dots for doing what I never learned to do!! The bottom line is mortification and humility, which makes for a clearer grip on reality and a happier heart. I could not wish more for you... As for the dollars and cents, the numbers and the analysis, I am VERY glad you have Monica. A philosopher history buff is not one to help account for business processes!!! :) But ask me the metaphysics of money as a medium of exchange of goods and services and I could probably philosophize about it for an hour (while I burned lunch)... :) If I ever DO (accidentally) notice something in your accounts that does not make sense, I will chime in! Sometimes just an objective viewpoint is enough to help, so I hope to be of some help that way. :)
ReplyDeleteGood jobbie so far!!