Sunday, October 27, 2013

Cutting it Close

2013 Financial Goals
1. Average $13.50 a day spending currently $14.68
2. 104 NO SPEND days currently 70 (planning 71 for today)
3. No more than 45 days off the record currently 46
4. Maintain $1000 emergency fund currently $2
5. Stick to a monthly Zero-Based Budget This is really very difficult

For October I've been trying really hard to stick to $12 a day. So far my average daily spending this month is $12.59 a day. I'm SO close to meeting my goal for the month. I think I can do it.

My $13.50 a day goal for the year though... hahahahahaaaa! For that goal I've $576.12 left for the next 65 days. Yes, 2013 will be over in 65 days. That's only $8.86 a day. I'm having a very difficult time keeping my average under $15. I guess at this point I'm just going to try and keep my spending down, down, down and see where my average ends up on December 31st.

8 comments:

  1. I love that you track your daily spending. It's a nice way to quickly assess how you're doing. I'm considering adding a similar goal for myself in 2014. We're in the home stretch - keep it up!

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    1. I'm looking forward to 2014. I think that tracking daily spending really helps to keep me focused. I really like doing it (except when my average shoots way up and I'm faced with the harsh reality of life and money... and lack of discipline sometimes)

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  2. Just WOW about the 70 no spends. You inspire me!

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    1. Thank-you. On average I've spent a lot more this year than I would have liked BUT the 70 no spends have been very difficult. I'm proud of that.

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  3. Does this daily spend cover household stuff? What about things like mortgage repayments /loans etc? We are doing a very similar thing and its not easy! :) We have $46,000 worth of consolidated debt plus the mortgage at $263,000 on a single income. I have managed to get some side hustles happening and make ends meet and joined a few freebie sites which helps out with things like toiletries, cleaning etc I look forward to reading more about your journey!

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    1. My daily spending average has evolved over the 3 years I've been attempting to spend less and keep track. Currently it includes all of my spending except for things that I buy specifically for the baby, but only things that he needs. Like if I buy him a toy or when I bought bottle brushes; I don't consider those things essential so I put them in my spending. My spending includes household items, gifts for people, and all of our food, pretty much any spending. I do not include bills in the daily average though and I do consider gasoline a bill because my husband and I both drive long distances for work.

      I commend you for working on getting your debts paid. You're right it is difficult and it's weird how some people don't even try to budget or pay off debts. (although that was me for a long time). So good job!

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  4. I admire you. It is hard to keep spending low with two teenagers in the house. But we are trying.

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    1. I can't imagine. Right now my son doesn't really ask for things other than crackers and juice. Teenagers are a whole other world!

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