March is going to be a tracking month for spending. With the purchase of the new house, I am uneasy with what is coming and going with money. I took note this morning that I have nine orders outstanding, six of which are Amazon. Spending is out of control.
Yes, we need things, but we should be able to make some of the things we have ordered. For example, we have tons of fabric for making quilts, why did I buy valances and curtains for the house? I could have easily made them. Why do I keep buying new fabric for quilting when I have so much already? I think some scrap quilts are coming, in the near future. I, also, intend to start selling quilts again. (We finished four quilts last weekend!) I will post them on my site when they are available. Jim also has about ten quilts made and ready to sell. I will get them posted as well.
I created a new budget. I am hoping for a couple of my categories are estimated higher than necessary. Having been feeding just myself for so long, I now have three others in the house that need to eat. I have never thought I would have a $500 per month budget for food. I do not know if that is even enough. That is why March is a tracking month.
I am hoping for a good baseline to start April. A fresh start in Spring. On the horizon, is a big garden. That should help the food budget a little.
How do you budget? I have an Excel spreadsheet that has each month and a year-end page. If anyone wants it, let me know and I can send it your way. It does all the calculations for you. I have been learning and practicing Excel.
I do a zero-based budget, so, every dollar is assigned a home. I have a separate sheet for bill paying so I can keep track of what I have paid for the month. Seems like I am doubling the work, but it works for me. The bill tracker is completed as I pay bills. The budget is entered a couple of times per month as items accumulate.
We are all set on big ticket items at this point. New truck, trailer, push lawn mower, rototiller, grill, etc... I think, we are set and can stop spending like money is growing on the trees. It is crazy how much it costs to set up a house. But we are really enjoying the new house and look forward to this spring and summer when we can get out in the yard. Like everyone, I think we have been cooped up for too long this winter. Itching to get out and get my hands dirty.
What is on your agenda for Spring? Leave me a comment. Until next time, live life to its fullest. It truly is great.
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