Budgeting...

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Well I am halfway through March and my first month of knowing what my monthly income will be for 2011 and budgeting. I will say, I am almost over budget already for the month. Actually, I will be for sure today when I pay the fee for my taxes.

My observations are that I need to increase a few budget categories and cut my food & dining budget. I just have to bring my lunch 2-3 times a week. My budget just won't allow for me to eat out that much...period. I hoped that my increase would net a $300 monthly increase but it was just ~$180. With the monthly accruals I set up, I will just have to bite the bullet.

Also, I should have realized that this monthly pay period had 5 instead of 4 weeks. Since I only get paid once a month, I should have changed the weekly challenge to $160/week instead of $200/week. Last but not least, I had to max out my prescription deductible, go to the doctor and go to the dentist this month. I am still waiting to be reimbursed from the insurance company for my teeth cleaning and exam. This is precisely why I like to keep a little extra cash in my bill account.

I went to bed around 11:00 last night and woke up this morning around 5:00. Since I was up, I took the opportunity to straighten my hair which I haven't done since December. Wowza....my hair is long and I can tell it could use a trim which my hair dresser suggested every 8-12 weeks. I am right at ~ 10 weeks now since my last appointment. Maybe I will go the first week in April.

My Mom started talking to me last night about working out which probably means my cheeks are a little too puffy. I really need to get back to working out but I don't feel like doing anything it seems these days. I had to drag my butt off the couch this weekend just to finally fold the clean clothes I let build up in baskets from the past 2 weeks. Spring needs to come quick so I can get outside and run.

Last note...Did anyone watch the Bachelor last night? I did not follow all season but I was over visiting my parents and my Dad does watch the show. So, I got sucked into the final show and finale and felt kind of bad for Brad. You can tell he's not perfect but he looked like he loved Emily a lot so I hope they can pull together. The lesson that I got from last night and it's one we can all learn is that we cannot worry about what other people think of us. What matters is what we think of ourselves.

Have a great day!!!